While the modern-day F1 regulations have significantly frustrated him, Max Verstappen recently revealed his mixed feelings about his potential retirement from the sport.
This isn’t the first time Verstappen has spoken about hanging up his helmet, as even during the pre-season testing month, he stated very clearly that the new regs are not helping the “longevity” of his career.
During anUp To Speed podcast, he brushed aside the topic of the regs, further mentioning that he’s happy with his career in F1. Moreover, he also mentioned that he can easily leave his F1 career behind, as he also has some other exciting projects on his plate.
He previously also opened up that he isn’t enjoying driving the new cars either, as they are all about the management of electric energy. And he’s a driver who prefers to go flat out, which was possible with ground-effect cars but not these.
What did Verstappen say about his F1 retirement this time
Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen set the record straight that he doesn’t want to leave F1, despite his disapproval of the new regs. He hoped to have a “bit more fun” with the new cars, but given that he isn’t, he is focusing on having more fun in other racing activities.
For those unaware, he’s set to tick off a wish from his bucket list of participating in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race driving a Mercedes-AMG GT car in May.
Sharing insights on his other racing stuff, he added, “I get to race the Nordschleife. I hope, in the coming years, I can do Spa, Le Mans, so I’m combining stuff to find other things that I find really fun as well. Of course, my team, so I have a lot of distractions at the same time.”
While he regarded other projects as “positive distractions,” he also has “conflicting” thoughts on leaving F1, as he enjoys working with the team. While he clarified that he’ll stay, he wishes that things get better. He also revealed that he had talks with F1 and the FIA to work towards the improvement of the ever-evolving sport.
Verstappen’s hilarious take on new F1 cars
During the Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc commented on his intense battle with George Russell, calling it “like the mushroom in Mario Kart” on the radio.
Now, Verstappen too appears to have echoed similar sentiments. Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, he revealed that he’s practising racing not on a simulator but has found a new alternative option.
He mentioned that he swapped the simulator for a Nintendo Switch to prepare for the race. “I’m practising with Mario Kart, actually. Finding the mushrooms is going quite well, the blue shells are a bit more difficult. I’m working on it. The rocket is still not there, it’s coming!” he quipped.
While this news makes Verstappen fans hopeful, it remains to be seen what unexpected moments he brings to the track this year and whether he will surprise everyone, like he did last year with his sudden comeback.
