Jos Verstappen says one aspect of Formula 1 is now becoming ‘too much’ for son Max Verstappen

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Max Verstappen threatened to retire from Formula 1 earlier this season. It wasn’t in his immediate plans, but he hinted that he could walk away if the sport continued on its current trajectory.

Verstappen’s comments followed his widely criticised penalty for swearing in an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. He will have to carry out ‘community service’ for the F1 governing body.

But that was only part of his frustration with the sport. The Dutchman has won the last three world championships – soon to be four – but may grow weary of F1 before he breaks the all-time records.

Red Bull executive director Helmut Marko says Verstappen’s retirement threats should be taken seriously. That indicates that he’s expressing similar sentiments behind the scenes.

Verstappen joined the grid in 2015 and at that stage the sport was very different. There were 19 races – five fewer than there are today – and Liberty Media had yet to take over as commercial rights holders.

Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, which first aired in 2019, has transformed F1. Verstappen ‘hates’ the Drive to Survive interviews and previously boycotted the series, which he believed manufactured drama.

Jos Verstappen says the record number of Formula 1 races is removing the ‘fun’ for Max Verstappen

Speaking to Verstappen.com, Max’s father Jos Verstappen suggested the calendar had become too long for his son. It’s hit a record 24 races and there will be just as many in 2025.

As Jos notes, Max has been ‘very outspoken’ on the issue. Verstappen is worried drivers will get ‘sick’ before next month’s season finale in Abu Dhabi amid a brutal Las Vegas-Qatar back-to-back.

As well as more racing, it means more simulator work and commercial appearances for the world champion. And naturally, it’s exhausting for team personnel too.

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“I can tell that the number of races in Formula 1 is becoming too much for many drivers, Max included,” Jos said. “He’s always been very outspoken about it.

“I think eventually, it does take the fun out of it. When I started, there were only about sixteen or seventeen races. Now, there are 24, and you can feel it with everyone – mechanics included – who are always on the road.

“Max is away even more because he also has to do simulator work and sponsor commitments. You can imagine how often he’s away from home.”

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It’s unlikely that Formula 1 will add a 25th race to the calendar, even if it would be lucrative. They know the backlash from drivers and teams would be significant.

Instead, European F1 tracks could rotate to allow for the sport to visit new venues in key markets. Circuits like Imola, Spa, Monza and Zandvoort, all of which are out of contract after 2025, look vulnerable.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali unquestionably has a world champion who loves racing. Verstappen’s late-night sim races show his appetite for all forms of motorsport competition.

But few would argue that he genuinely loves F1. Indeed, Verstappen ‘hopes he’s sick’ for the F175 launch next February, indicating his distaste for the entertainment side of the sport.