Max Verstappen shares an update on his F1 future and talks about retirement rumors before the Miami GP
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has shared a new update about his future after hinting he might quit F1 following the Japanese Grand Prix.
Later on Friday, Verstappen will be back on track for the first time since finishing eighth in Japan, where he had a tough race. F1 took a five-week break after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were canceled because of the conflict in the Middle East.
So far, the four-time world champion hasn’t reached the podium this year and is ninth in the standings as he heads to the Miami race. Max has been open about his unhappiness with the new rules, especially the 50/50 mix of gas and electric engines. He’s said it feels less exciting, kind of like “Mario Kart,” and compared it to a Formula E car on “steroids.”
After the Suzuka race in March, Max was asked if he planned to leave F1 at the end of the year. He said he’s “thinking about everything inside this paddock,” leaving fans wondering what he’ll decide.
Even though there’s been a break in racing, talk about Max’s future hasn’t stopped. Some say he might follow his close engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, to McLaren in 2028. Lambiase has teamed up with Max for years, helping him win four championships in a row. But McLaren’s boss, Zak Brown, says he’s happy with his current drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
With some changes made to the rules before the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday (May 3), has Max changed his mind? Talking to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old said he’s still thinking things over and isn’t rushing to make a decision.
“I still have time and I’m taking my time,” Max said. When asked if Red Bull’s performance might change his mind, he replied, “We’re a bit behind compared to last year. I don’t really know yet. What I said in Japan still stands, but there’s time.”
He added, “I just want to be here. The team is working hard on upgrades, so we’ll see what happens. I don’t know what other teams are bringing either. I hope we can get out of the midfield and fight at the front.”
Right now, Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are leading the championship as the season heads into its fourth race.