Max Verstappen’s ‘anti-driving’ interview at Japanese GP breached F1’s guidelines

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Max Verstappen’s viral interview about his Formula 1 future actually broke the sport’s rules, it has been explained. Verstappen is considering retirement at the end of the season.

The Red Bull star has made it clear on several occasions that he fundamentally doesn’t enjoy driving the 2026 generation of cars. Verstappen has railed against the increased electrification, even calling F1 ‘Formula E on steroids’ during pre-season testing.

But in an interview with BBC Sport at Suzuka, he explicitly stated that he could walk away. Verstappen described the new rules as ‘anti-driving’, which has left him wondering if staying in the sport is ‘worth it’.

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Max Verstappen’s Japanese GP interview was much longer than it should have been

In a follow-up Q&A, Andrew Benson explained how the interview with Verstappen breached Formula 1 guidelines. Broadcasters like the BBC are limited to two questions per driver.

But Benson says that his colleague, Jennie Gow, ‘sensed Verstappen’s mood’ and asked him five separate questions. She saw an opportunity for a seismic exclusive, of course, but also gave the 28-year-old a chance to vocalise his internal dilemma.

Indeed, Verstappen’s PR handler Anna Webster could have intervened when Gow reached her two allocated questions, but chose not to. It’s an interview that will clearly raise alarm at Red Bull, but had Webster attempted to cut it short, it may have given the wrong impression.

It’s important that Verstappen feels he is able to speak honestly without restrictions, even if it has prompted a backlash in some quarters.

Some in the F1 paddock think Max Verstappen could walk mid-season – they’re wrong

Red Bull planned to speak to Verstappen after he ejected a journalist from his pre-race press conference. They want to maintain a good relationship with the media.

As for his remarkable post-race comments, Martin Brundle claims the Verstappen saga is becoming ‘boring’ and thinks the driver himself would agree. He wants the four-time world champion to make a decision.

While the scope of any regulation changes for the current season or, more likely next year, will be limited, Verstappen may need a larger sample before making the biggest call of his career.

According to The Race, some in the Suzuka paddock started to suggest that Verstappen could leave Red Bull midway through the season, such is his ‘exasperation’. But his ‘loyalty’ to the team means he will see out the year at the very least.

In all likelihood, Verstappen will continue as a Red Bull athlete even if he stops racing in F1, opening the door for a potential comeback in the future.