[Saba Sports News] Max Verstappen is set to make his debut at the Nürburgring endurance race this week. Ahead of the event, the Red Bull driver once again opened up about his long-term plans, openly stating that the current Formula 1 rules are beyond redemption. His remark — “Maybe I won’t be in F1 anymore by then” — quickly sent shockwaves throughout the paddock. It seems increasingly likely that Verstappen could leave Formula 1 for endurance racing.
Although Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, he has stressed repeatedly over the past few years that he does not intend to stay in F1 long-term like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Especially following the introduction of the new 2026 regulations, Verstappen has grown increasingly frustrated with the current car concept. He has publicly criticized the new rules on multiple occasions, making him the most vocal critic of the regulations in the F1 paddock.
Asked whether he had reflected seriously on his future during the break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, his reply remained thought-provoking.
Verstappen said he did not spend that downtime pondering his future, but instead focused his energy on something else — the Nürburgring endurance race.
In the editor’s opinion, Max Verstappen’s public remark that the current F1 rules are beyond saving is not merely an isolated outburst of emotion. It stems from his long-standing and systematic criticism of the 2026 technical regulations, laying bare the deep-seated conflict within Formula 1: prioritizing technical overhaul at the expense of driving enjoyment and the true essence of the sport.