But Verstappen’s frustration with F1 is less about his finishing results and more about the direction taken by the new-for-2026 regulations, which have seen an overhaul of the chassis, aerodynamic profile and the power units – the latter providing the greatest point of grievance.<\/p>\n
The near-50-50 split between internal combustion engine and electric battery output has been divisive across the first three races, with a new yo-yo style of racing being delivered as cars super clip to regenerate battery charge at the end of high-speed sections.<\/p>\n
Verstappen to walk away?![\"Max](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_0,h_0\/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/voltaxMediaLibrary\/mmsport\/f1briefings\/01kmz8jwffqgx8qmpzd7.jpg\" "\\"Max")
<\/p>\n
Getty Images \/ Red Bull Content Pool<\/p>\n
Verstappen had labelled the regulations as “Formula E on steroids” and “anti-racing” as early as pre-season testing, and his dislike of the formula has remained into the first three races, with a retirement from F1 now looking more likely than ever.<\/p>\n
After the race at Suzuka, the Dutchman said he was “not enjoying the whole formula” and asked in an interview with BBC Sport whether that meant that he was going to walk away at the end of the season, Verstappen replied: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.<\/p>\n
“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?”<\/p>\n
Verstappen had sent warnings about the direction of the new regulations as early as 2023 after his first experience in the simulator.<\/p>\n
Cynical minds have pointed to the fact he has been unable to challenge for even podiums early on this term as a reason for his disdain for the regulation set, yet he was far from this dispondent figure when in a similar malaise in the first quarter of the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “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.<\/p>\n
Suzuka Sunday: complete \u2705<\/p>\n
Max battles hard to claim P8, with Isack outside the points after the Safety Car impacted his race \ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfc1 | ANT, PIA, LEC, RUS, NOR, HAM, GAS, Max \ud83d\udc4a, LAW, OCO.#F1<\/a> || #JapaneseGP<\/a> \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 pic.twitter.com\/QCqftudnk2<\/a><\/p>\n