Max Verstappen Retirement Considered This Year, 'Not Enjoying' F1 'It's Just Very Hard'

Formula One star Max Verstappen waxed philosophical after an eighth-place showing in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

The four-time F1 world champion told BBC Radio 5 Live he's "not enjoying the whole formula" and suggested his racing career may not be as fulfilling as it once was.

"Privately I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22," he said. "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?"

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (via ESPN's Nate Saunders) reported Verstappen could potentially walk away at the end of the 2026 season.

The 28-year-old told the BBC that getting behind the wheel these days is "not the most enjoyable."

"As a kid this is what I wanted to do, and back then I had no idea what I was going to achieve and how much money you make," he said. "You never think about that as a kid. And it's also not about that. I want to be here to have fun and have a great time and enjoy myself. At the moment that's not really the case.

"Of course I do enjoy certain aspects. I enjoy working with my team. It's like a second family. But once I sit in the car it's not the most enjoyable unfortunately."

This isn't the first time Verstappen has spoken cryptically about his career.

Appearing on the Up To Speed podcast (via Lydia Mee and Ronald Vording of Motorsport.com) in February, he said he's "closer to the end" than the beginning in his illustrious career.

"I would say the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in Formula 1. Let's say like that," he said. "But it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. I'm very happy with my career anyway, already in Formula 1. I can easily leave it behind. I have a lot of other projects."

Verstappen added that he isn't necessarily fixated on winning as many F1 titles as he possibly can.

"Who cares about trying to go 24 times a year around the world, trying to hunt for another title?" he said. "I don't care if I win four or eight. I want to live my life. You only live once, and I don't want to spend 25 years of that in racing a car."

Verstappen has missed out on a podium spot in the first three races of 2026, and he has yet to start higher than eighth. It's probably easier to start contemplating life after racing if he feels he's no longer at his peak.

The Red Bull star has also achieved enough to be considered an F1 legend already. Only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have won more Grand Prixs, and his four titles are tied for the third-most on the circuit.

Verstappen's comments may be a reflection of his frustrating start more than anything else. However, he could plausibly hang it up altogether once this year concludes.