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Max Verstappen has cast major doubts over his Formula 1 future after he made scolding remarks about the new regulations in 2026.
The Dutchman’s future has been a topic of discussion in the F1 paddock for months now. Mercedes tried to sign Verstappen amid the drama surrounding Red Bull’s hierarchy, but he committed to the Milton Keynes outfit for 2026.
What do you make of Max Verstappen’s preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season?
Verstappen can leave Red Bull in 2026 with an exit clause in his contract, which expires in 2028. While Verstappen wants to end his career with Red Bull, that date could be coming much sooner than expected.
The 28-year-old has always hinted at an early retirement from F1, given his interests off the track. Verstappen admits he is closer to the end of his career in 2026, and the new regulations will be the deciding factor.
Ralf Schumacher thinks Max Verstappen will retire from F1 if he has to change his driving style too much
The Red Bull driver openly criticised the new regulations back when they were first announced. Now that he has gotten a taste of the ruleset in the RB22, he is still unimpressed.
He referred to the cars as ‘Formula E on steroids’, given the effort the drivers have to put in to recharge the battery, not to mention getting it off the line during starts and handling the car. Liberty Media were not impressed by Verstappen’s comments, but they echo what many drivers have said.
Martin Brundle doubts Max Verstappen will still be in F1 in 10 years’ time. When do you think he will leave?
The changes in 2026 are certainly complex, and ones that Verstappen is not a fan of. Ralf Schumacher thinks he could retire from the sport if he has to change his driving style too much with the new cars.
“Max has made it quite clear that he’s not enjoying the new regulations,” he said via Bild. “Nevertheless, Red Bull is his home. He desperately wants to be successful with his team.
“But if he eventually realises that he has to change his driving style too much and success isn’t forthcoming, then the theory that he’ll quit or switch teams is certainly plausible. There’s no shortage of interested parties.”
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Could Max Verstappen take a sabbatical from F1?
Another possibility for the Dutchman’s future is that he takes a break from the sport. It was suggested last season that Verstappen could take a sabbatical from F1.
He has openly expressed interest in racing in other series away from F1, notably GT racing. Verstappen is hoping to compete in the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring in the future.
David Coulthard thinks Verstappen could take a sabbatical from F1 and return one day. It would mirror what Fernando Alonso did back in 2018, when he left the sport and returned in 2021 with Alpine.
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