Eddie Irvine claims F1 ‘doesn’t need’ Max Verstappen but he has ‘good reasons’ to stay at Red Bull

Follow us on Google Discover

Eddie Irvine does not think Formula 1 needs Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to relent from his threats to retire at the end of 2026, as there are “plenty” of other talented drivers.

Verstappen is one of the most popular drivers on the grid, but for how much longer his fans can see the Dutchman race in the pinnacle of motorsport is up for debate. The four-time F1 champion created doubts about his future in the field in Japan after his dreary start to 2026.

The 28-year-old has produced his worst start to an F1 season since his rookie season with Toro Rosso in 2015, as Red Bull have not adapted well to the 2026 regulations. The RB22 has chronic balance problems that saw Verstappen qualify P11 and finish the race in P8 in Japan.

Verstappen called Red Bull’s car “undriveable” after qualifying in Japan, as he failed to reach Q3 at Suzuka for the first time since 2015. Add in his issues with F1’s 2026 engine rules, and Verstappen revealed that he has to “figure out” his future in F1 with retirement a possibility.

How much would Formula 1 suffer without Max Verstappen?

Let us know your thoughts

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Eddie Irvine thinks Max Verstappen has £43.5m ‘good reasons’ to stay in Formula 1

Verstappen doubled down on his threats to walk away from F1 at the end of 2026 after the Japanese Grand Prix, as well, by claiming he must decide “is it worth it?” to stay. While Red Bull have Verstappen under contract through 2028, his deal boasts several release clauses.

READ MORE: Every time that Max Verstappen has clashed with the media

Former Ferrari driver Irvine understands Verstappen’s frustrations, having fallen away from five consecutive F1 title fights to being slower than Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in China and Japan. But Irvine does not feel F1 needs Verstappen, who is paid highly enough by Red Bull to stay.

Irvine told Gazzetta dello Sport: “F1 doesn’t need Max, there are plenty of talented drivers. It’s tough for him to find himself in the middle of the pack. But considering his salary, there are over €50 million (£43.5m) in good reasons to stay.”

Ayrton Senna’s iconic 1984 Toleman is heading to auction 🏎️

But if you could own ANY of his cars, which are you choosing?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Verstappen was the highest-paid F1 driver in 2025 at $76m (£57.5m) before bonuses, after Red Bull increased his basic salary from the $60m (£45.5m) he earned in 2024. As McLaren ace Lando Norris won the 2025 F1 drivers’ title, Verstappen’s bonuses fell to $11m (£8.5m).

So, money would almost certainly be no issue for Verstappen if he were to retire from F1 at the end of 2026. Although, it is said that Red Bull could pay Verstappen £60m not to race in F1 in 2027, in the hope that a sabbatical could see him return to the grid with them in 2028.

Verstappen does not need to rush a decision regarding his future in Formula 1, though. It is also said that Verstappen will have from August to October to use his release clause, should he hit the summer break outside the top two in the drivers’ standings – which is very likely.