Max Verstappen admitted he is considering his future in F1 after a difficult Japanese Grand Prix, with the Dutchman revealing he is not enjoying racing under the current regulations
Max Verstappen faces an uncertain future in F1 (Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The BBC flouted F1 guidelines during a remarkable interview with Max Verstappen following the Japanese Grand Prix. The four-time world champion had a challenging race at Suzuka, with his eighth-place finish leaving him disgruntled after the chequered flag.
He has only accumulated 12 points this season, trailing behind competitors such as Pierre Gasly and Oliver Bearman in the rankings. Verstappen’s post-race ire was primarily aimed at the new F1 regulations, which he believes have drained the joy from racing at the top tier.
Speaking afterwards, he confessed that he was contemplating his future in the sport. It was the latest in a string of public retirement threats, although the Dutchman is still under contract with Red Bull until 2028. He was conversing with BBC reporter Jennie Gow, who breached F1 guidelines by extending her line of questioning beyond the usual limit.
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Andrew Benson, chief F1 correspondent for the BBC, said: “The interview Verstappen gave on Sunday was extraordinary. Not just for its openness, honesty and eloquence, but also for the fact he was happy to keep talking beyond the usual limits.
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“F1’s guidelines restrict broadcasters to two questions in the ‘pen’ after a race. But Jennie sensed Verstappen’s mood, and kept going, asking five in total.
“Anna Webster, Verstappen’s PR handler at Red Bull, realised he wanted to keep talking, so let them carry on.”
Verstappen has repeatedly asserted that he will exit F1 when he no longer finds it enjoyable, but whether he will act on those statements remains uncertain.
When questioned about his future, he responded: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.
“Privately I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22, but normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
Verstappen made it clear that his frustration was not directed at Red Bull, who have lacked competitiveness in the wake of the biggest regulation changes in F1 history.
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time.
“I’m very realistic in that and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1, but at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver.
“Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.
“And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion.”
