Verstappen Doubts His Future in Formula 1 After Japanese GP

Max Verstappen has once again questioned his future in Formula 1 following the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished eighth at the Suzuka Circuit. After a race dominated by the young Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the four-time world champion admitted he is reflecting on his future in the category. In an interview with the BBC, Verstappen explained that the demanding F1 calendar and his current level of satisfaction on the track are factors influencing his decision on whether to continue in the championship. 'In private, I am very happy. I enjoy certain aspects. Because I also know that you cannot be dominating or fighting for a podium every single time. It's like a second family,' said the Dutchman. However, once he gets in the car, he unfortunately does not enjoy it as much. 'I am very realistic about that and I have been there before. I have not been the one winning all the time in F1,' he added. Verstappen has also been critical of the new F1 technical regulations, the start of which has raised questions from several drivers. 'When you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole package behind it, it doesn't feel natural for a racing driver,' he explained to the BBC. According to the Red Bull driver, the driving style required by the new rules diminishes the pleasure of competing on track: 'Of course, I try to adapt, but it is not the way you have to race, and it is not pleasant. And then you just think: is it worth it?' The Dutchman also pointed out that the changes in energy management and the way of competing affect the driving experience. He has compared the current F1 to the video game Mario Kart, considering that the energy strategy and the use of the boost button influence the dynamics of on-track battles too much, a point he has highlighted as one of the things he dislikes most about the new regulations. Earlier in the season, the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April, were canceled due to the war in Iran. The championship will resume on May 3 with the Miami Grand Prix, marking the category's return after the break in the calendar. In parallel to his F1 activities, Verstappen has sought to compete in other motorsport disciplines. He has been competing in GT3 cars in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) since last year and is set to compete in this year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring, scheduled for mid-May. 'That puts a big smile on my face,' he admitted to Motorsport.