Max Verstappen to consider F1 future in 'coming weeks, months'

Max Verstappen has dropped a hint that he will take time during the upcoming extended break to consider his future in Formula 1.

The four-time F1 champion staged a minor recovery to eighth place at the chequered flag of the Japanese Grand Prix after starting from 11th on the grid at Suzuka.

Verstappen has so far been left far from impressed by the current regulations and the power split between combustion and electrical.

There was a comical moment during the race in Japan when he waved at Pierre Gasly as the Alpine driver sailed by on the main start-finish straight, with Verstappen's battery seemingly completely depleted.

Verstappen stated after qualifying that he had many things to figure out in F1, and it may now be that his future is one of them.

Asked by Viaplay as to how his post-qualifying words should be interpreted, Verstappen replied: "What exactly I want for the future. That is what it is about."

Making clear that he was referring to F1, he stated, "Yes. Not privately, here."

As to whether he would use the upcoming break, following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix in April due to the war in the Middle East, to do his thinking, Verstappen confirmed: "The coming weeks, months."

Put to Verstappen that his remarks did not sound hopeful, he said: "Oh well, life goes on.

"Life isn't just Formula 1. There are multiple things you can do."

Pointed out that F1 naturally wants him to stay, he concluded: "Then it has to remain fun."