'Beyond frustrated': Max Verstappen weighs up F1 future after Suzuka placement
Dutch four-time world F1 champion Max Verstappen says he wonders if competing in the sport is still worth it.
Four-times world champion Max Verstappen, who had declared himself “beyond frustrated” after qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, said he was considering his future in the sport after finishing eighth in Suzuka.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the Red Bull driver said his lack of enjoyment at driving the new generation of cars was making him question whether racing in the sport was still worth it.
“I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock,” he said in the interview.
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“You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about ‘is it worth it?’”
Verstappen has been an outspoken critic of F1’s new regulations and engine era.
He has repeatedly said his dissatisfaction doesn’t stem from Red Bull’s poor form but due to the new rules placing more of an emphasis on energy management than flat-out racing.
Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, said he had plenty of pursuits beyond Formula One to keep him engaged.
The Dutchman recently competed in a sports car race at German track Nuerburgring’s fearsome Nordschleife layout in preparation for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race in May.
He also drove a Japanese GT car at Japan’s Fuji racetrack ahead of the weekend in Suzuka.
“But it’s a bit sad to be honest that we’re even talking about this. You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I’ll be fine,” he said.
