Max Verstappen has thrown a considerable spanner into the works by conceding over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that he is contemplating retiring from F1.
The Red Bull driver has flirted with the idea of walking away from the championship earlier than most, but had previously rejected the suggestion he could hang up his helmet as soon as the end of 2026.
However, the 28-year-old is so unhappy with the new F1 regulations that he has put retiring on the table.
It may just be the Dutchman trying to force F1's hand and influence changes to the rules he so despises, but it is highly unusual for a driver to step back at the peak of their powers.
Verstappen has dismissed the notion that he would not be complaining to this extent if the Red Bull RB22 were competitive, arguing he is more than content fighting for seventh place — but he must enjoy doing so.
In a recent poll conducted by RacingNews365, just under half of the respondents agreed that the 71-time grand prix winner would retire at the end of the year.
Interestingly, more voters feel he will join Mercedes than those who believe he will remain with Red Bull for 2027.
Check out the full results of the latest poll by RacingNews365 below! Let us know what you think in the comments.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix! The trio discuss what F1 and the FIA must change across the five-week break and if Max Verstappen could actually retire.
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