Max Verstappen has once again warned that he could walk away from Formula 1 long before his Red Bull contract ends in 2028. The four-time world champion says the 2026 regulation changes will decide everything, if the new cars aren’t fun to drive, he’s ready to quit on the spot. He’s made similar comments before, but this time he made it clear that chasing a seventh title isn’t a goal at all.
Speaking ahead of the Qatar weekend, Verstappen told reporters that enjoyment is the only thing that matters to him now. “My contract goes to 2028, but it all depends on the 2026 rules. If they’re nice and fun, great. If they’re not, I don’t see myself hanging around,” he said. He added that winning seven championships isn’t on his mind and he could “leave the sport easily tomorrow.”
The 2026 rules will bring the biggest technical shake-up in F1 history, with lighter cars, more active aero, and new power units. Verstappen has never hidden that driving feel is more important to him than records. He also pointed out that he already has plenty of other interests outside F1, including endurance racing and spending time with his young family.
The Dutchman has already tasted success outside single-seaters, winning on his debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife earlier this year, and he wants to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans one day. He stressed that once he decides to stop F1, the door will stay closed for good, no comebacks, no part-time deals, just a clean break to live life on his own terms.
With the title fight still alive (he trails Lando Norris by 24 points heading into Qatar), Verstappen remains fully focused on 2025. But his latest comments serve as another reminder that even the most dominant driver in the sport today is prepared to walk away the moment the cars stop putting a smile on his face.
About the Author
