Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen does not want to leave F1 despite frustrations with 2026 rules
Max Verstappen says he has no intention of leaving Formula 1 despite his ongoing criticism of the sport’s new 2026 regulations. The four-time world champion admits he is not currently enjoying driving the new cars but revealed that discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA are already taking place in hopes of improving the situation.
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Ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen again addressed his concerns about the new technical regulations introduced for the 2026 season. The Dutchman has been one of the most outspoken critics since the first shakedown test in Barcelona earlier this year.
During that test, Verstappen famously compared the new cars to “Formula E on steroids”, while after the season opener in Melbourne he admitted the experience behind the wheel had left him feeling “completely empty”.
His criticism has naturally sparked speculation about his long-term future in the championship, particularly after it was confirmed that the Red Bull driver will make his debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours later this year.
Despite the growing rumours, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently stated that he does not believe Verstappen wants to leave the sport. The Dutchman himself confirmed that assessment when speaking ahead of the Shanghai weekend.
“Yeah, I don't really want to leave. Like I said, I wish I had a bit more fun, for sure. But I'm also doing other stuff that is a lot of fun. I get to race the Nordschleife, and I hope in the coming years I can do Spa-Francorchamps, hopefully Le Mans, you know. So I'm combining stuff to find other things that I really enjoy as well. Of course, I have my team going on, so I have a lot of distractions at the same time, a positive distractions, I would call them,” said Verstappen, as quoted by RacingNews365.
At the same time, Verstappen admitted that the situation in Formula 1 feels unusual for him because he enjoys working with his team but not the driving itself under the current regulations.
“But at the same time, it's a bit conflicting, because I don't really enjoy driving the car, but I do enjoy working with all the people in the team and from the engine department as well. So, yeah, it's almost like a bit of a mind… Can't swear it's a 5k fine,” joked Verstappen, before Gabriel Bortoleto suggested it was actually a €100,000 fine.
Verstappen responded before continuing his explanation.
“100k? No? Euros? Swearing? No, it's 5k. I questioned if it was the word or the sentence, or anyway, you know what I mean, right? So no, I don't want to leave. But I also hope, of course, that it gets better. I've had discussions with F1 and the FIA, and I think we are working towards something hopefully, and hopefully that will improve everything,” the Red Bull driver added.
