Max Verstappen, four-time world champion, has ruled out leaving Formula 1, despite admitting that driving the current cars has become less enjoyable. The Red Bull driver spoke about the matter during the media day for the Chinese GP, the second round of the 2026 season, which takes place in Shanghai.
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“I really don’t want to leave. As I said, I would certainly like to have a bit more fun, but I’m also doing other things that are very fun,” the driver said. Verstappen explained that he has been seeking “positive distractions,” such as endurance racing. “I’m combining things to find other activities that I really find very fun too. Of course, my team is underway, so I have many distractions at the same time, positive distractions, I would say,” he stated.
The driver highlighted conflicting feelings: “I don’t really like driving the car, but I like working with all the people in the team and also the engine department. It’s almost like it’s a bit of a mind…”
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Verstappen also revealed talks with FOM (Formula One Management) and the FIA (International Automobile Federation) about improvements to the regulations: “I don’t want to leave, but I also hope, of course, that it improves… we’ve had discussions and I think we’re working towards something.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had downplayed rumors about a possible departure of the Dutchman, saying that talks with Verstappen were held to address his concerns about the new cars.
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