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It appears Max Verstappen may have been just as ‘strategic’ as many within Formula 1 had expected when he threatened to retire out of frustration with the new regulations.
Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen hinted at retirement amid serious frustration with the new regulations in place.
However, some within the paddock felt Verstappen was being strategic, leveraging the threat of his retirement to force Formula 1 officials into making some serious changes.
Should F1 teams also be given extra cost cap spending room in 2027? 🤔
Regardless of his intent, Verstappen’s comments seemed to have an effect, as Formula 1 introduced serious changes to the regulations for both this season and the 2027 season.
But it appears those within the paddock who felt this way were right, especially given Max Verstappen’s recent comments about his future in Formula 1.
READ MORE: Red Bull engineers say Max Verstappen does something ‘astonishing’ in their setup meetings
Max Verstappen hints that he isn’t considering retirement after F1 announce regulation changes
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was asked about the new regulation changes announced and whether it has impacted his decision to retire.
Verstappen noted that he is happy with the new changes, even if there is improvement to be made. As far as his retirement, he didn’t confirm that he wouldn’t walk away, but did hint that the changes have definitely given him more of a reason to stay.
“It’s definitely heading into a very positive direction. I think it’s like the minimum I was hoping for, and I think it’s really nice that that’s what they want to do. That’s definitely what I think also the sport needs.
“I just want a good product in Formula One, and that will for sure improve the product… I always wanted to continue anyway, but I always wanted to see change. And I think the change that’s coming now is definitely very, very positive, or at least, almost back to normal.
“It’s just great that they’re open-minded and they listen to the drivers, because I think we speak in the interest of the sport and we just want to make it a better product.”
“It was just depending on the future rules. So, what I said before, with the changes hopefully that will happen next year, that will already help a lot.
“Because I’ve always said it doesn’t matter if I had a good car or not. It’s just the product, and I think the product will improve like that. So naturally, I think then the enjoyment will go up as well.”
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Max Verstappen makes a U-Turn on his recent retirement stance. Do you think he said it to force Formula 1’s hand?
Max Verstappen suggests he is ‘happy’ with Red Bull amid exit rumours
Speaking further with the media, Verstappen suggested he’s happy with Red Bull and praised the progress they’ve made after a shaky start to the season.
“Yes or no, it doesn’t matter. For me, I’m happy where I’m at. I see the team really progressing, and that’s also very exciting to see.
“For me, I always wanted to continue anyway, but I always wanted to see change, and I think the change that’s coming now is definitely very positive.”
Earlier in the day, Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff was seen speaking with Jos Verstappen, which sparked further rumours about a possible move for the Dutch driver.
However, it appears that Verstappen is intent on staying with Red Bull for now. Perhaps Verstappen realised the freedom Red Bull give him to pursue other ventures, including his appearance at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring last weekend.
Given the nature of his star-power, it’s unlikely that rumours of Verstappen exiting Red Bull or retiring from the sport will vanish after these comments. But for now, it looks like the four-time world champion is exactly where he wants to be.
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