F1 news: Red Bull champion Max Verstappen considers F1 exit
The 2026 Formula 1 season has begun with three exciting races, though not without controversy.
Among the biggest stories so far this season is Red Bull’s struggles as they have struggled to compete with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari, who have set the pace so far.
While McLaren were able to produce strong results in Suzuka after troubles in the first two races, Red Bull have now been surpassed by Alpine who were last in the Constructors’ standings last season.
Verstappen opens up on future doubts
Amid Red Bull’s troubles, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has expressed that he has considered leaving F1.
"That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock,” he told BBC Sport.
"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?"
However, the Dutchman insisted that discontent is not a result of Red Bull's poor start to the season.
"I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. 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.
"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.
"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 anymore because this has always been my passion."
Success outside F1 but concerns remain
Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen enjoyed victory outside of F1, competing in a GT3 race at Germany's Nurburgring.
He has said that he is still trying to enjoy F1, but that it is ‘not very healthy’ for him.
"You hear it from a lot of sports people when you speak to them about how you are successful. It all starts with actually enjoying what you're doing before you can actually commit to it 100 per cent.
"Now I think I'm committing 100 per cent and I'm still trying, but the way that I am telling myself to give it 100 per cent I think is not very healthy at the moment because I am not enjoying what I'm doing.
"And now people can easily say, 'Yeah, well, you've won so many championships and races and now just because the car is not good you are complaining.' Maybe you can see it like that, but I see it different."
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