Max Verstappen warns his F1 retirement is no joke. The Red Bull star slams the 2026 rules as "Formula E on steroids," questioning his future in the sport.
F1 News: Not Just Talk Max Verstappen's Retirement Buzz Grows After Brutal Take on New Formula 1 Cars (Image Source:X)
The Formula 1 paddock was shaken up with the latest news coming from the F1 in Bahrain. At the same time, Max Verstappen has taken his F1 retirement talk to another level after the comments made on February 19, 2026.
On that day, the four-time World Champion gave a very negative review to the upcoming 2026 technical regulations and called the next generation of cars "Formula E on steroids" and "anti-racing. "
Although Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull Racing till 2028, his recent statements on the Up to Speed podcast, where he revealed he is "definitely closer to the end" of his career, indicate that a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power might be the reason for him to call it quits.
As the 28-year-old has put "day off" over "winning" in his list of priorities, the possibility of a sudden departure after the 2025 season is at least being considered rather than merely being seen as a bluff.
We'll let the dust settle... and then it's full send all the way 🔥#F1 || #F1Testing 🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/11psRrPUt6
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 20, 2026
Verstappen's frustration has been caused by Formula 1 turning completely towards heavily hybridised and actively aerodynamic cars for the 2026 season. After a recent few simulator sessions, the champion was heard saying the "clumsy" next-generation cars would require drivers to consciously manage the energy depletion on the straights instead of just going flat out down the straights.
We'll push every step of the way 💙#F1 || #F1Testing 🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/vs106f39uw
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 20, 2026
He is worried that these new rules will make complex software the main thing, leaving driver instinct in the background, and thus the sport will lose its DNA of competitiveness.
Since he has been secretly practising GT3 endurance racing during the off-season under a pseudonym, the idea of a simpler racing life is getting close. If the 2026 cars do not give a real and exciting experience to the driver, it seems that he will definitely decide to leave the sport.
"Honestly, like it's a tough one. I would say of course, the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in F1," Verstappen said.
"Last week I was skiing with good friends and family and my sister's boyfriend, they're getting married you know, so I realised, ‘this is fantastic’ you know like being able to spend a few days together and appreciate life for sure." he added.
