Max Verstappen threatens to walk away from F1 over ‘anti-driving’ regulations

• Max Verstappen is considering retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season, despite his contract with Red Bull running until 2028.
• The four-time F1 world champion expressed significant dissatisfaction with the sport's new regulations and generation of cars, describing the racing experience as “anti-driving” and not enjoyable.
• Verstappen, who finished eighth in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday and is ninth in the championship standings, clarified that his potential retirement is not linked to Red Bull's current performance.
• He has previously criticised the 2026 car features, particularly the energy deployment system that necessitates “lift-and-coast” on straights, likening the racing to “Mario Kart”.
• Verstappen stated that his motivation is not financial but stems from a lack of passion and enjoyment for the sport, which he feels is currently missing.

IN FULL

Max Verstappen considering shock F1 retirement after eighth-place finish at Japanese Grand Prix