Max Verstappen admitted that he is struggling to maintain motivation in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The four-time champion stated that he has to force himself to give 100% in every race, something he considers ‘not very healthy’ given the lack of enjoyment with the new era cars.
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The Red Bull Racing driver has been openly criticizing the new regulations and revealed that he is not enjoying the experience behind the wheel. The situation is so uncomfortable that the Dutchman has even considered a possible retirement at the end of the current season, something that was not previously part of his plans.
“I want to be here to have fun, have a great time and enjoy. At the moment, that’s not really happening,” Verstappen told BBC Sport. The driver highlighted that he still appreciates some aspects of the category, especially working with the team: “I like working with my team, it’s like a second family. But when I get into the car, it’s not the most pleasant, unfortunately,” he stated.
Verstappen also revealed that he has been trying to maintain motivation, but acknowledged that the process has not been easy: “I’m trying. I tell myself every day to try to enjoy it. It’s just very difficult.”
In addition to the lack of enthusiasm, the complicated start to the season aggravates the scenario. After three rounds, the Dutchman occupies only ninth position in the drivers’ championship, while the RB22 has proven to be a difficult car. The new power unit, developed in partnership with Ford, is considered relatively strong, but the project is still in its early stages.
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Even so, Verstappen highlighted that his dissatisfaction is not directly linked to performance. The driver explained that motivation is mainly linked to the pleasure of competing: “You hear many athletes saying that success starts with enjoyment in what you do before committing 100%,” he said.
Although he says he still dedicates himself fully to race weekends, the Dutchman recognizes that this is becoming increasingly difficult: “I think I’m giving 100% and I’m still trying, but the way I’m forcing myself to give 100% is not very healthy at the moment, because I’m not enjoying what I do,” he added.
Verstappen also countered the idea that his criticisms are only related to current performance: “People might say that I’ve won many titles and races and now I’m complaining because the car isn’t good. Maybe they see it that way, but I see it differently,” he completed.
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