Source:REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
[Saba Sports News] The controversy over the new regulations for the 2026 season continues to escalate, and Max Verstappen’s wavering attitude toward the future is no longer just an emotional outburst. Having once again expressed disappointment with the car’s characteristics over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, the four-time Formula 1 world champion has for the first time sent a clear signal that he might retire.
His father, Jos Verstappen, has also voiced public concern, suggesting his son is gradually losing his passion for the sport. Jos believes his son has been doing his utmost to adapt to the rules and fight for competitiveness with Red Bull, but the core issue is that the car itself no longer provides the challenge he once craved. He admitted that in the past, his son regarded driving an F1 car as the greatest job in the world, but that is no longer the case.
Discussions over regulatory changes are set to take place in April, yet the Verstappens hold little hope for short-term improvements. Jos pointed out that minor tweaks will not reverse the current situation, and what truly matters is whether more substantial reforms will be implemented in the future. He also mentioned the complex power struggles within F1, such as leading teams preferring to keep the existing rules, which undoubtedly makes reform more difficult.
In our view, this is more than just a father’s concern—it reflects a deep conflict between Formula 1’s technical shifts and the original motivations of its drivers. Without substantial regulatory changes, Verstappen could indeed leave Red Bull before his contract expires in 2028. He has already made it clear that he is “considering all possibilities within the paddock.”