NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Max Verstappen took the torch from Lewis Hamilton and became one of the most unstoppable Formula 1 drivers in the sport from 2021 to 2024.
The 2025 and 2026 season has been a struggle for the Red Bull racer. He finished second to McLaren’s Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings last season, ending his world championships, and has yet to finish in the top five this year.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Japan Formula One Grand Prix at Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
After finishing eighth in the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen suggested he was considering retirement at the age of 28.
“Privately I’m very happy,” Verstappen told the BBC. “You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But usually 24. And then you just think is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being at home with my family? Seeing my friends a lot when you’re not enjoying your game?”
He has made it clear that he is suggesting that 2026 could be his last season.
“I want to be here to have fun and have fun and have fun. At the moment, that’s not really the case,” he said. “Yes, I enjoy certain aspects. I enjoy working with my team. It’s like a second family. But when I’m sitting in the car it’s not very fun unfortunately. I try. I keep telling myself every day to try and enjoy it. It’s very difficult.”
ISRAEL ENTERTAINMENT STAR ‘TERRIFYED’ AS FAMILY FACES THREATS OF IRANIAN RETALIATION, BRINGS HOPE THROUGH REGION
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, of the Netherlands and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy speak during the drivers’ parade ahead of the Japan Formula One Grand Prix in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Part of Verstappen’s struggles was trying to adapt to the control changes.
“I can easily accept being in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t dominate or be first or second or whatever, you always fight for the podium. I’m very honest about that and I’ve been there before. I didn’t only succeed in F1.
“But at the same time when you’re in P7 or P8 and you don’t enjoy all the machinery behind it, it doesn’t feel natural for a racing driver,” he continued. “Yeah, I’m trying to adapt to it, but it’s not fun the way you have to run. It’s not really compatible with driving. And then sometimes, yeah, it’s not something I want to do.”
Perhaps a break in the schedule will help clear Verstappen’s head.
Formula 1 will have a few weeks off as two races scheduled for April in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been canceled due to military operations in Iran.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands takes off during the qualifying session for the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
The next race is scheduled for May 3 in Miami.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and register at Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
