Max Verstappen to make “life” decisions as his discontent with F1 grows

Four-time champion says current rules must change or his long-term future in F1 could be in doubt

Max Verstappen is openly reconsidering his future in Formula 1, after another tricky qualifying session at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver was narrowly eliminated in Q2 at Suzuka, compounding his discontent after he expressed unabashed aversion towards F1’s new regulations.

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Verstappen has made it clear he dislikes 2026-style racing, as energy management means drivers harvest energy in high-speed corners in qualifying, which features among the least popular aspects of the new rules. There may be many more overtakes on Sundays, but the four-time world champion has likened the racing to Mario Kart.

So when Verstappen said he had “a lot of stuff for me personally to figure out” on Saturday at Suzuka, he was asked to explain what he was referring to. The tight-lipped Dutchman’s answer wouldn’t go much further than “life”, though he clarified “life, here” and very succinctly confirmed it was related to F1’s current regulations.

Those few words may not look like much, but they do say a lot, especially in a context where Verstappen has sought – and found – enjoyment elsewhere.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

The 28-year-old has raced GT3 machinery in the NLS (Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie) since last year, and is scheduled to partake in this year’s running of the Nurburgring 24 Hours mid-May.

“That brings a big smile on my face, for sure,” he admitted. And the contrast with F1 could hardly be starker.

Asked about his father Jos’ fear that he might lose motivation, Max replied: “When I’m in the car, I always give it my everything. But yeah, with how everything is – not just the car but everything I’ve already said about Formula 1 – at the moment, it’s not fun for me. And it won’t be fun for other people either.

“But when you’re away from home for so many, 22 races, in the end you have to do something you enjoy in your life. I think that applies to all athletes. If you ask many people, 'How do you get the most out of your performance?', then it starts with enjoying it. If you don’t enjoy it, you can’t get the best out of it.

“With other things I try to keep it enjoyable. But at some point that also runs out.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images

While Verstappen has been the most outspoken critic of the 2026 machinery in the media, he’s also been working with the FIA and F1 to make things better, and hinted at the upcoming decisions being key to his F1 future – or lack thereof.

“It depends what they decide for next year, I think. For this year, I know they're trying their best, but it's also political, right? Which I fully understand, of course, from other manufacturers, rightly so,” he said, referring to the likes of Audi and Honda having supported the electrification of F1 engines.