Source:REUTERS/FRANCK ROBICHON
[Saba Sports News] After the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen for the first time clearly said he is seriously considering leaving F1 after the 2026 season—an indication seen as a possible major turning point in his career. Verstappen admitted that the driving experience under the current rules is the main reason for his wavering. The 2026 season introduced a new power unit centered on energy management, which has noticeably changed race rhythm and driving style. In his view, this emphasis on energy allocation has diminished the pure joy of driving and can even be described as a counterintuitive setup. Although results have also been challenging, he stressed that standings are not the key factor in his consideration; what truly unsettles him is the inability to derive satisfaction from driving. By contrast, he has begun to think about whether it is worth continuing to devote time to the long season or to spend more time with family and friends.
The editor believes Verstappen’s remarks are not an emotional threat but a serious challenge to F1’s technical direction. He represents a generation of drivers who value the pure pleasure of driving, and his decision to stay or go has become an important measure of whether F1 respects the “man-and-machine” essence. If rules keep favoring strategy and engineering at the expense of driving experience, F1 risks losing not only Verstappen but also long-term appeal.