- 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.
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