Max Verstappen drops F1 retirement warning after Australian GP

Max Verstappen has hinted his patience with Formula 1‘s new regulations may already be running out following the Australian Grand Prix.

2026 has started badly for Verstappen, crashing out of Q1 after his RB22 locked its rear axle.

While he was able to claw his way back through the field with ease, he could manage no higher than sixth, unable to pass Lando Norris’ McLaren.

The four-time world champion was understandably disappointed with the result, under regulations he has made clear he does not enjoy.

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He doubled down on this view further after the race, but denied he could walk away from the sport if no changes to the new regulations are made.

“No I mean, like I said, I love racing, but you can only take so much, right?”, he said to media, including Motorsport Week.

“I mean, I know that they’re, well, I think they’re willing to listen, FIA and F1, but I just hope, of course, that there is some action, because, I mean, it’s not that I’m the only one saying it.

“I think a lot of people are speaking the same.If it’s drivers, fans, we just want the best, I think, for the sport.

“It’s not that we are critical just to be critical. We are critical for a reason.We want it to be Formula 1, you know, proper Formula 1 on steroids.

“Today, of course, again, that was not the case.”

Potential for Max Verstappen and Red Bull in 2026 to challenge?

Verstappen confirmed he sees potential in the RB22 and is delighted with Red Bull’s power unit.

“I mean, we have potential in the car, for sure. We know that. Engine side, I think we’re not too bad.At the moment, I think where our pace is lacking is half-half. So, half car, half engine, which is not bad. I mean, those are things that can be overcome.It’s not shocking.

“You know, that’s the thing also. I’m very negative about the rules, but I do feel really proud of the team and the engine side as well.The guys really have done an amazing job. So, from that side, I’m very happy to be working with them.

“I just wish that I enjoyed it a bit more driving-wise.But still, they’ve done an incredible job to be where we are, to be fighting with McLaren, with the Mercedes engine. And I think if we improve a little bit, we can fight also a little bit further up front.

“And then suddenly, of course, the world looks a bit better.I mean, the rules are still the same, but the world does look a bit better in terms of how competitive we are. I hope, of course, that within a few races, we can take a little step forward.

READ MORE: George Russell resists Charles Leclerc fight to score F1 Australian GP triumph