Max Verstappen ‘seriously considered’ quitting…..see more in the comment

Max Verstappen ‘seriously considered’ quitting…..see more in the comment

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed he “seriously considered” walking away from the sport or joining another team before signing his contract extension with Red Bull through 2030. In an interview with German publication _Bild_, the 28-year-old Dutchman said the decision came down to a “50/50” choice between quitting and staying, and that in the end he was “closer to quitting Formula 1 than to signing with another racing team”. He confirmed he also held talks with McLaren, but ultimately decided to remain because “at the end of the day, I just love racing”. Verstappen stressed there was no external pressure in re-signing, saying the only thing that mattered was how his family, management, and team felt.
The quit threat resurfaced earlier this year amid deep frustration with F1’s 2026 regulations. After an eighth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix and a poor start to the season, Verstappen told BBC Sport he was “thinking about everything inside this paddock” and questioning “is it worth it?” compared to being at home with his family. He has been the most vocal critic of the new power units, which put greater emphasis on electrical energy management and lighter, nimbler cars. Verstappen described the racing as “Formula E on steroids” and “anti-driving,” saying “it’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this” if the rules don’t change for 2027. Despite the slump — he sits sixth in the standings and hasn’t won a race this season — he insisted his doubts are not about Red Bull’s competitiveness, but about enjoying the sport itself.

Verstappen says his motivation now comes down to passion, not money or records. “I’m a four-time world champion, and after my first title, I’d already achieved everything I ever wanted,” he said. Becoming a father to daughter Lily in April 2025 has also shifted his perspective, with Verstappen admitting he misses simple family moments and that the 24-race calendar makes him weigh time away from home. Former champion Damon Hill suggested Verstappen “may need a break,” noting “if you’re not happy doing something, you should stop”. For now Verstappen says he’ll keep racing “as long as I enjoy it” and does not expect to still be in F1 in his 40s like Fernando Alonso.