MAX VERSTAPPEN has dropped a bombshell retirement hint over his Formula One career.
Verstappen, 28, has never been shy in discussing his future in motorsport.
Such discussion usually regards his future with Red Bull in F1, but the flying Dutchman has also been open in saying he wants to race in other categories.
And, according to the man himself, that future could be fast-tracked elsewhere if next season’s F1 regulations are not “fun”.
The 2026 season is bringing sweeping changes to the technical regulations of F1, including the removal of DRS and an engineered emphasis on more wheel-to-wheel racing.
However, Verstappen has declared he has no plans to match Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher‘s tally of seven titles and is prepared to leave F1 “tomorrow” if he stops enjoying himself.
The four-time world champion told reporters at the Qatar Grand Prix: “My contract runs until 2028 but it [his future] will depend on the new rules in 2026, and if they are nice and fun.
“If they are not fun, then I don’t really see myself hanging around.
“Winning seven titles is not on my mind. I know that there are three more years after this one, so it could be possible, but it is not something I need to do before I leave the sport.
“I can leave the sport easily tomorrow.”
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Verstappen has been vocal about his criticism of sprint race weekends, while drivers are also said to have raised concerns over the new regs being too focused on energy deployment rather than natural racing ability.
Earlier this year, Verstappen won an endurance race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife after earning his licence to race competitively and without a handicap on the famous circuit.
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Verstappen has previously said he is targeting victory in the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
And speaking about racing in other series, he added: “I have a lot of other passions; other racing categories, I want to spend more time with the family, and live off my own schedule.
“And in my mind, I know if I close the chapter, it is closed.
“I don’t see myself stopping and coming back. Once I stop, I really stop.”
Verstappen is looking to stay in the drivers’ championship fight with McLaren stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Qatar this weekend.
He is level on points with Piastri and trails title front-runner Norris by 24 points going into the weekend, but qualified P6 during sprint race qualifying on Friday.
