Max Verstappen has raised serious doubts about his Formula 1 future after criticising the upcoming 2026 regulations.
The Dutchman’s future has been a topic of conversation around the paddock for months. Mercedes made a push to sign Verstappen during Red Bull’s internal issues, but he committed to staying with the team through 2026.
Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028, but he has an exit clause that allows him to leave after 2026. Although he’s spoken about finishing his career at Red Bull, there are growing signs that decision might come sooner than expected.
Verstappen, who turns 28 in September, has never ruled out walking away early from F1, given his interests outside racing. He says he’ll be closer to making that call in 2026 and that the new rules will play a big part in what he decides.
Max Verstappen could quit if new F1 rules force a major change
The Red Bull driver had already voiced his concerns when the regulations were first announced, and now that he’s experienced them firsthand in the RB22, his opinion hasn’t changed.
He compared the cars to ‘Formula E on steroids’, pointing out how much work goes into battery management, launch procedures, and overall handling. While Liberty Media wasn’t pleased with his remarks, they reflect concerns shared by several drivers across the grid.
The changes set for 2026 are undeniably intricate, and Verstappen hasn’t warmed to them. Ralf Schumacher believes that if Verstappen feels forced to adapt his driving style too drastically without seeing results, retirement could become a realistic option.
Speaking to Bild, Schumacher said: “Max has made it quite clear that he’s not enjoying the new regulations. Nevertheless, Red Bull is his home. He desperately wants to be successful with his team.
“But if he eventually realises that he has to change his driving style too much and success isn’t forthcoming, then the theory that he’ll quit or switch teams is certainly plausible. There’s no shortage of interested parties.”
Could Max Verstappen step away from F1 for a while?
Another possibility being discussed around the paddock is Verstappen taking time away from Formula 1 altogether. The idea of a break was raised as far back as last season, even before the latest regulation changes came into focus.
He’s spoken before about his interest in other forms of racing outside F1, particularly GT racing, and has mentioned wanting to compete in the Nürburgring 24-hour race at some point.
David Coulthard has even suggested that Verstappen could follow a similar path to Fernando Alonso, who stepped away from Formula 1 in 2018 before returning with Alpine three years later.
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