Max Verstappen issues bombshell F1 retirement threat

Max Verstappen has declared he will walk away from F1 if he doesn't find the next set of technical regulations “fun”.

The cars will undergo a major change for the 2026 campaign with major modifications coming to both the power unit and chassis regulations.

Drivers have already raised early concerns over how the cars will be driven next year, insisting it will differ greatly from the current generation due to the increase in energy deployment.

Many have noted the drivers who understand how and where to use the energy will have a significant advantage over their rivals, rather than relying on their natural instincts.

Verstappen is known to be a critic of the regulations and has also voiced concern over the future of the sport, primarily surrounding the volume of grands prix held per year and the possibility of having more sprint races on the schedule.

The four-time champion has now issued a new threat, suggesting his retirement from F1 could come as early as next year.

"My contract runs until 2028 but it [his future] will depend on the new rules in 2026, and if they are nice and fun,” Verstappen told PA.

“If they are not fun, then I don't really see myself hanging around.

"Winning seven titles is not on my mind. I know that there are three more years after this one, so it could be possible, but it is not something I need to do before I leave the sport.

"I can leave the sport easily tomorrow."

Verstappen has long voiced his desire to compete in other racing categories before he finishes his racing career, and even won an endurance race at the Nordschleife earlier this year.

Should he opt to walk away from F1, Verstappen asserted he will not leave the door open for a potential return.

"I have a lot of other passions; other racing categories, I want to spend more time with the family, and live off my own schedule," Verstappen said. 

"And in my mind, I know if I close the chapter, it is closed.

"I don't see myself stopping and coming back. Once I stop, I really stop."