Fans react as Max Verstappen addresses the “retirement” query

F1 fans have shared their reactions to Max Verstappen talking about potentially leaving the sport sooner than expected due to the 2026 F1 regulations. The Dutchman has already made it clear that he did not enjoy driving the new car and wished to see changes to the rules going forward.

Speaking at the FIA press conference ahead of the Chinese GP on Thursday, Verstappen once again reiterated his take on the new machine, as he pondered his future in F1.

“It’s a bit conflicting because I don’t really enjoy driving the car, but I do enjoy working with all the people in the team and from the engine department as well. I don’t want to leave so I also hope of course it gets better,” said Verstappen.

“I’ve had discussions with F1 and the FIA and we are working towards something and hopefully that will improve everything,” he added.

Verstappen’s complaints about the 2026 regulations have met with mixed reactions online.

“So because things aren’t going his way all of a sudden the whinging starts,” wrote one fan.

“I’m tired of this guy complaining,” said another user.

“Just retire at this point, getting really bored of him keep mentioning it every 2 seconds now,” said yet another fan.

Here are some more reactions via X:

“Max Verstappen actually cares about the sport’s future. Rare,” said another user.

“Good, Max alongside other drivers should keep applying pressure and use their power to improve the sport,” wrote another fan.

“He can’t just win, that’s why he’s already complaining,” concluded another user.

Max Verstappen even described his involvement in other motorsport series as a “positive distraction” from F1. The Red Bull driver is all set to compete in NLS2 following the Chinese GP, driving for his Verstappen Racing outfit as he prepares to race in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in May.

Max Verstappen reveals motivation behind Nurburgring 24h debut

Speaking to the media ahead of the Chinese GP, Max Verstappen revealed his motivation behind deciding to drive at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, and his wider goals in motorsport.

The Dutchman explained that he likes working in a changed environment, and that he was inspired by his dad, Jos, who competed in multiple endurance races when he was a kid.

“It’s just the way of working with people, it’s a bit of a different environment that you’re in, in the paddock. Probably a little bit more old-school which I probably enjoy a bit more. Can probably be a bit more myself,” said Verstappen.

“All the big endurance races I want to do, it’s something that when I was a kid, my dad was doing them,” he added.

Verstappen also added that he did not want to confine himself to just an F1 driver and wished to race in other series. He also said that now is the perfect age for him to be doing so, as he does not want to compete in them in his 40s.