Max Verstappen has hinted at retirement after finishing sixth at the Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has been open about his frustrations(Image: Kym Illman, Getty Images)

Max Verstappen has suggested once again that he may retire from F1 as he “loves racing, but you can only take so much” regarding the new Formula 1 regulations. The Dutch driver finished sixth at the Australian Grand Prix over the weekend, recovering all the way from 20th after a crash in qualifying.

After this disappointing performance in the opening race of 2026, Verstappen was swift to deliver a message to F1 bosses. He said: “I love racing, but you can only take so much, right?

“I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action. I’m not the only one saying it.

“A lot of people are saying the same, be it the drivers or the fans. We just want the best for the sport. It’s not that we are critical, just to be critical.

“We are critical for a reason. We want it to be Formula 1, you know, proper Formula 1 on steroids, but today, again, that was not the case.”

Speaking about his disapproval of the new F1 regulations, the 28-year-old added: “I think what they should worry about are the rules. They ask questions, and I give my opinion of what I would like to see and what I think is better for the sport, because I do care about it.

“I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this. So let’s see what we can do.

“I hope that even during this year, we can come up with some different solutions so it becomes more enjoyable for everyone.”

Verstappen’s recent remarks are not the first occasion he’s suggested retirement. In fact, the Dutch driver has been candid about being prepared to walk away from F1 if there is no more pleasure in the sport for him.

Speaking in 2025, Verstappen said: “[Regarding the new rules] If they are not fun, then I don’t really see myself hanging around.The Dutch racer is happy to hang up his helmet at any time(Image: Mark Thompson, Getty Images)

“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.

“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. 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.”

During Bahrain testing, Verstappen acknowledged he was content to walk away from F1 as he is “closer to the end” of his career than the start. He said: “Definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure [laughs].

“Honestly, it’s a tough one. I would say, of course, the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in Formula 1, let’s say it like that. But it doesn’t matter. I’m very happy with my career anyway already in Formula 1. I can easily leave it behind.”

Whilst he will eventually bid farewell to F1, Verstappen is resolute that he will stick with Red Bull for the remainder of his tenure in the sport. Speaking to The Times, the four-time world champion said: “It’s a funny one, because I don’t think normally the driver is, let’s say, the stable factor, in terms of people leaving, so I’m proud of that.His 2026 season hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts(Image: PAUL CROCK, AFP via Getty Images)

“I’ve remained loyal to the team for a long time; they know that loyalty, for me, is a very big thing, and that’s not always a given in Formula 1, but that’s how I operate.

“You always strive to build the strongest team around you, but when you have a lot of success, it’s normal that people get poached and people leave, that’s how sport works.”

Verstappen added: “But, for me, you need to feel that you can be yourself in a team. That’s as important, I would say, in my career now after having won already so much, than just going somewhere for performance.

“It’s always been the intention. I remember when Dietrich [Mateschitz] was still alive . . . I told him my dream – and his dream – was that I would stay here forever, as long as my career lasts.

“I’m very pleased that before he passed away, I said that my intention is still to fulfil that dream, and so far that is going quite well.”