The Real Reason Behind Why Max Verstappen is Considering an F1 Exit | F1, formula 1, Max Verstappen | Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment, Photos and Videos

Max Verstappen is opening up about his future in Formula 1 and it sounds like he’s seriously considering walking away.

Following his eighth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, the 28-year-old Red Bull driver admitted he’s questioning his long-term commitment to the sport amid major rule changes this season.

When asked by BBC Sport if he was thinking of leaving F1 at the end of the year, he said, “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. 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?”

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Max welcomed daughter Lily with girlfriend Kelly Piquet last April.

He clarified that his frustration had nothing to do with Red Bull’s start-of-season issues and more so with the big regulation changes.

“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I’m very realistic in that and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1.”

He went on to say, “But at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver.”

Max called the current style “anti driving,” adding, “Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.”

Still, he insists he has not checked out.

“I see it like this: You hear it from a lot of sports people when you speak to them about how are you successful. It all starts with actually enjoying what you’re doing before you can actually commit to it 100%,” he said. “Now I think I’m committing 100% and I’m still trying, but the way that I am telling myself to give it 100% I think is not very healthy at the moment because I am not enjoying what I’m doing.”

He added, “And now people can easily say, ‘Yeah, well, you’ve won so many championships and races and now just because the car is not good you are complaining.’ Maybe you can see it like that, but I see it different.”

While he is exploring other passions like GT3 racing, Max made it clear he is not looking for sympathy.

“It’s not like if I would stop here that I’m not going to do anything. I’m always going to have fun. And also I will have fun in a lot of other things in my life,” he shared.

He continued, “But it’s a bit sad to be honest that we’re even talking about this. It is what it is. You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I’ll be fine.”

Ollie Bearman recently spoke out about the scary crash that happened at the Japanese Grand Prix.