Max Verstappen has made the biggest statement yet regarding his Formula 1 future, indicating that the upcoming enforced break will give him time to consider his options.
The Dutchman has suffered a miserable start to the new campaign, in which the sport has begun its new regulations era, on which he has been outspoken.
Verstappen has no doubt also been triggered by Red Bull’s tough beginnings to the new era, with two modest points finishes and one DNF so far this year.
At Suzuka, Verstappen missed out on Q3 and managed a meagre eighth place, losing out in a narrow late-race battle for seventh with former teammate Pierre Gasly.
Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen was asked how his comments after qualifying, when he talked of the things he has to consider in regards to the sport.
“What exactly I want for the future. That is what it is about,” he replied, adding his clarification he was indeed talking about F1. “Yes. Not privately, here.”
Pressed on whether the enforced break, due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, would provide him to make those considerations, Verstappen laid out a timeframe: “The coming weeks, months.”
With the fact that his words did not sound positive, the four-time World Champion shrugged off the natural disappointment that might cause.
“Oh well, life goes on,” he said.
“Life isn’t just Formula 1. There are multiple things you can do.”
Many have already speculated that the current situation might cause Verstappen, who has been frank about the many other aspects of life he appreciates, will indeed retire.
Verstappen concluded that to stop that from happening, “Then it [F1] has to remain fun.”
With Verstappen appearing to be on the precipice of looking elsewhere, F1 has to seriously consider its position on the new 50-50 hybrid ruleset. Whilst no man or team is bigger than the sport, the sport might have to be the ‘bigger person’ and take stock of what has so far been a hugely polarising few races.
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