Max Verstappen will quit F1 'if new 2026 rules are not…

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has stressed that his desire to fulfil his 2028 Red Bull contract will hinge on whether or not he enjoys the next generation of cars.

F1 switches to radically different regulations next year, with a much bigger emphasis on the electric component of the power unit. Alongside the near 50/50 split between electric and V6 turbo power, F1 will also move away from cars reliant on ground-effect, slashing downforce and introducing moveable wings to boost straightline speeds.

F1 drivers have been reluctant to praise the new regulations after trialling early computer models on their teams' simulators, although it is expected that the final product will be much more developed than what teams have been testing at an earlier stage.

But Verstappen, who is signed with Red Bull for another three seasons - pending various exit clauses - says he is ready to walk away from the series if he doesn't enjoy the new generation of machinery.

“My contract runs until 2028, but it will depend on the new rules in 2026, and if they are nice and fun," he told PA about his F1 future. "If they are not fun, then I don’t really see myself hanging around.

“Winning seven titles is not on my mind. I know that there are three more years after this one, so it could be possible, but it is not something I need to do before I leave the sport. I can leave the sport easily tomorrow."

Verstappen has already voiced his desire to switch to endurance racing after his F1 career, hoping to be on the grid of the Le Mans 24 Hours with his own team, which is currently racing GT3 cars around Europe.

Earlier this year, he made his endurance debut on Germany's Nordschleife, with a view to competing in the 24 hours. He is also keen to play a role in bringing sim racers into real-life motorsports. But while he is keeping his options for 2028 and beyond open, he is ruling out taking a sabbatical and then returning to F1 later on.

"I have a lot of other passions; other racing categories, I want to spend more time with the family, and live off my own schedule," the 28-year-old said. "And in my mind, I know if I close the chapter, it is closed. I don’t see myself stopping and coming back. Once I stop, I really stop.”

Testing for 2026 starts at the end of January with a private shakedown in Barcelona, followed by two three-day tests in Bahrain before the season gets underway in Australia on 8 March.