Four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished eighth in Sunday’s eventful Japanese Grand Prix. The race was ultimately won by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who benefited from an incident involving Oliver Bearman. The Dutchman now sits ninth in the championship standings, sixty points behind leader Antonelli, making his title aspirations challenging, especially after narrowly missing the championship by just two points last season.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Verstappen stated he could accept finishing seventh or eighth, acknowledging that he doesn’t expect to contend for a podium in every race. “I’m very realistic about that, and I’ve been through it before. I haven’t only won in F1,” he remarked. However, his primary concern is the significant lack of enjoyment he’s experiencing.
“When you’re in P7 or P8 and you don’t enjoy the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural for a racing driver,” Verstappen explained. “Of course, I try to adapt, but the way you have to race isn’t enjoyable. It’s truly anti-driving. So at some point, yes, it’s just not what I want to do.”
He added, “And of course, you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day, it’s no longer about money because it has always been my passion.”
When directly asked about his future in F1, Verstappen confirmed he’s contemplating “everything.” He questioned, “You just think, is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being at home more with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?” He noted that while he appreciates certain aspects, like working with the team, which he considers a “second family,” his feelings change once he gets into the car.
The 28-year-old Verstappen has consistently expressed his disapproval of the new hybrid engine regulations. These rules require drivers to recharge batteries multiple times per lap, a design choice intended to promote more overtakes and thus enhance viewer excitement. However, many drivers and fans argue that this detracts from “pure driving.” Verstappen also hinted at other projects that excite him, such as sports car racing, mentioning his participation in an iconic endurance race this May. Should the current trajectory of F1 remain unchanged, Verstappen’s short-term future might very well lie outside of Formula 1.