Max Verstappen’s retirement statements in full as he drops 11-word message | F1 | Sport
Max Verstappen has been open about his retirement plans (Image: Getty)
Max Verstappen has hinted once more at retirement as he “loves racing, but you can only take so much” in terms of the new Formula 1 regulations. The Dutch racer finished in sixth place at the Australian Grand Prix at the weekend, climbing all the way from 20th following a crash in qualifying.
Following this poor show in the first race of 2026, Verstappen was quick to send a message to F1 chiefs. In a pointed 11-word message, he said: “I love racing, but you can only take so much, right?” Adding: “I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action. I’m not the only one saying it. A lot of people are saying the same, be it the drivers or the fans. We just want the best for the sport. It’s not that we are critical, just to be critical. We are critical for a reason. We want it to be Formula 1, you know, proper Formula 1 on steroids, but today, again, that was not the case.”
Regarding his disdain for the new F1 regulations, the 28-year-old added: “I think what they should worry about are the rules. They ask questions, and I give my opinion of what I would like to see and what I think is better for the sport, because I do care about it. I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this. So let’s see what we can do.
“I hope that even during this year, we can come up with some different solutions so it becomes more enjoyable for everyone.”
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Verstappen’s recent comments are not the first time he’s hinted at retirement. In fact, the Dutch racer has been open about being ready to quit F1 if there is no more enjoyment in the sport for him.
Verstappen has spoken out (Image: Getty)
Speaking in 2025, Verstappen said: “[Regarding the new rules] 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.
“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. 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.”
During Bahrain testing, Verstappen admitted he was happy to leave F1 behind as he is “closer to the end” of his career than the beginning. He said: “Definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure [laughs].
The 28-year-old isn’t fussed about more titles (Image: Getty)
“Honestly, it’s a tough one. I would say, of course, the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in Formula 1, let’s say it like that. But it doesn’t matter. I’m very happy with my career anyway already in Formula 1. I can easily leave it behind.”
While he will eventually leave F1 behind, Verstappen is adamant that he will remain with Red Bull throughout the rest of his time in the sport. Speaking to The Times, the four-time world champion said: “It’s a funny one, because I don’t think normally the driver is, let’s say, the stable factor, in terms of people leaving, so I’m proud of that.
“I stayed loyal to the team for a long time; they know that loyalty, for me, is a very big thing, and that’s not always a given in Formula 1, but that’s how I operate.
“You always try to build the strongest team around you, but when you have a lot of success, it’s normal that people get poached and people leave, that’s how sport works.”
Verstappen is keen to stay loyal to Red Bull (Image: Getty)
Verstappen added: “But, for me, you need to feel that you can be yourself in a team. That’s as important, I would say, in my career now after having won already so much, than just going somewhere for performance.
“It’s always been the intention. I remember when Dietrich [Mateschitz] was still alive . . . I told him my dream – and his dream – was that I would stay here forever, as long as my career lasts.
“I’m very happy that before he passed away, I said that my intention is still to fulfil that dream, and so far that is going quite well.”
