Max Verstappen giving thought to F1 future after 2026 season: ‘Is it worth it?’
nytimes.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Max Verstappen is contemplating his future in Formula 1 due to his lack of enjoyment driving the new 2026 cars, citing that the current racing feels "anti-driving" and not natural for a driver.
- Verstappen has had a disappointing start to the season, finishing no higher than sixth and currently sitting ninth in the championship, significantly behind leaders Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
- Despite his struggles on track, Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull, describing the team as a "second family," but admits he finds it very hard to enjoy racing under the current conditions.
- Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but he reportedly has a clause allowing him to leave at the end of the year if he is not in the top two by mid-season, a scenario that seems unlikely this year.
- Outside F1, Verstappen is pursuing other interests, including sports car racing, and emphasizes that he will continue to have fun in other areas of life even if he decides to step away from Formula 1.
