Max Verstappen has made no secret how little he’s enjoying driving during the new Formula 1 season.
After finishing eighth in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, March 29, the four-time F1 champion let his discontent spill out, telling reporters he was “not even frustrated any more, I’m beyond that.”
Verstappen has been a consistent critic of the overhauled car designs for this season that he says aren’t fun to drive because they place more emphasis on electrical power than driver skill.
Taking that a step further in an interview with BBC Sport, the Red Bull driver was asked if it might cause him to walk away from the sport at the end of the season. Verstappen’s response: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.”
Enduring a disappointing start to the new season in which he has failed to finish higher than sixth place in any race, Verstappen elaborated on his current mindset.
“Privately I’m very happy,” he told BBC Sport. “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?”
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but there are reports that he does have an escape clause that allows him to walk away if he’s not in the top two in the standings at a certain point in the season.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, he sits in ninth place − 60 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.