Max Verstappen sends 'doesn't feel natural' warning as F1 future speculation ignites

Max Verstappen has said being a racing driver does not "feel natural" when he is neither competing for victories nor enjoying himself in F1.

The Dutchman has endured a torrid start to the season and is so disillusioned with the new regulations that he is now openly discussing the possibility of retiring at the end of the current campaign.

Despite having previously ruled out doing so, the Red Bull driver put it back on the table over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

When asked in an interview with BBC Sport whether his dissatisfaction meant he could leave F1 at the end of the year, he replied: "That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock.

"Privately, I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"

Verstappen has been openly critical of the regulations since pre-season and continues to dismiss any suggestion that he is only complaining because Red Bull is not competitive.

The four-time F1 drivers' champion has not finished higher than sixth in the opening three rounds, and was knocked out of qualifying in Q2 at Suzuka.

He sits ninth in the standings on just 12 points, which puts him behind the Haas of Oliver Bearman and Pierre Gasly from Alpine.

"I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am," he insisted. "Because I also know that you can't be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I'm very realistic in that, and I've been there before. I've not only been winning in F1.

"But at the same time, when you are in P7 or P8, and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn't feel natural to a racing driver."

'It's not about money'

Verstappen, who is competing in GT racing more comprehensively this year, wants F1 to return to being a more pure form of motorsport.

Amongst his various criticisms, he has referred to the latest rules as "Formula E on steroids" and branded the situation "a joke", whilst also suggesting that anyone who likes the new era does not understand racing.

"Of course, I try to adapt to it, but it's not nice the way you have to race. It's really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it's just not what I want to do," he explained, before highlighting that money alone will not keep him in F1.

"And of course, you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day, it's not about money any more because this has always been my passion.

"As a kid, this is what I wanted to do and back then, I had no idea what I was going to achieve and how much money you make," he added. "You never think about that as a kid. And it's also not about that."