Max Verstappen says he sometimes contemplates if driving in Formula 1 “is still worth it” amid his continuing criticism of the series’ expanding calendar.
Verstappen has repeatedly made his feelings clear over F1’s schedule growth in recent months, which is set to feature a record 24 races next year.
The calendars expansion, as well as the addition of six sprint races, has left Verstappen suggesting he could choose to walk away from F1 when his current Red Bull deal expires in 2028.
F1’s constant pursuit to grow the series has not received Verstappen’s support, with the two-time world champion questioning if the changes are beneficial to those who work in the sport.
Speaking in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen said: “I’m worried about the sport I have always enjoyed. I still do, but only to a certain extent.
“It’s not that I’m totally against change, like some people claim. But those changes have to be benefit Formula 1.
“Why do you have to change things when they’re going well? I think a traditional qualifying session is a great format, it doesn’t all have to revolve around money.
“People might think: ‘Well, he makes a lot of money, what is that guy complaining about?’ But it’s about your wellbeing, how you experience things and not how much you make.
“I feel like I have to do too much and skip other things [I enjoy doing], so I sometimes think: ‘Is still worth it?'”
Verstappen stressed his objection to the growing calendar is not primarily about the amount of races, saying the extra off-track actives and media commitments also take their toll on his personal life.
“[Travel] isn’t the biggest problem. It’s more about all the extra stuff I have to do,” he said.
“Thursdays on a race weekend can be very long depending on where we are and outside the grands prix there’s a lot of simulator work.
“For example, I lose over a month per year to marketing. At a certain moment you just don’t feel like doing all that anymore.”
Verstappen is currently enjoying a hot streak of form, winning eight consecutive races to leave him almost guaranteed of a third straight drivers’ title.
Red Bull’s current dominance is threatened by the loom of the next major regulation changes arriving in 2026, but when asked if he could leave before his Red Bull contract ends in 2028, Verstappen replied: “Things would have to be really bad for that to happen.
“I don’t expect the team to fall back that much with all the great people we have. But in this sport it’s always possible you’re not that competitive.
“It depends on what the prospects are, but yeah, I don’t see myself touring in the midfield for three years. Then I’d rather stay at home or go do something else. But again, I don’t expect that to happen.”
