Max Verstappen has sensationally revealed that he “seriously considered” quitting F1 prior to signing a new deal with the Red Bull Formula 1 team.
Verstappen has been a highly vocal critic of the 2026 technical regulations, going as far in pre-season testing to label the new rules as “Formula E on steroids”.
His mindset remained similar after changes were made ahead of the Miami GP to reduce the impact of super-clipping and battery depletion, highlighting as recently in Madrid the issues with battery deployment.
This led to fierce speculation that the four-time world champion was close to retiring when his deal expires at the end of 2028, only to to put pen to paper for a new deal with Red Bull.
Although his F1 future is now secure, Verstappen admitted that he came very close to walking away from the sport that has brought him so much success.
“Well, either you quit or you don’t – so it’s a 50/50 decision!” the Dutchman said to Bild.
“I seriously considered quitting. But ultimately, I love racing. I don’t have anything left to prove;
“I’m a four-time world champion and achieved everything I ever wanted after my first title. I don’t race for the history books, but for myself, the team, and our fans.
“That’s why it was ultimately an easy decision.”
Max Verstappen still enjoying F1
Verstappen also confirmed that he is enjoying the current regulations, despite not fighting regularly for wins.
“Yes. It would obviously be even more fun if I won every weekend, but the car just isn’t capable of that right now,” he said.
“That’s okay, because we’re on the right track and we’re a good team.
“A lot of people have come and gone in recent months and years, so a few things needed to be readjusted, but now we’ve gelled as a unit.
“Everyone believes that we’ll get back to the top. We’re all giving it our all to achieve that goal – and it’s a lot of fun.”
The news that Verstappen considered walking away from the sport will surprise no one, but how seriously he came to close to may ring alarm bells to many fans.
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