These latest set of Formula One regulations have certainly thrown things up in the air. Many have criticised them for being “fake” and “false racing”. It’s not only the fans that have said this however, four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has been the most outspoken driver on the topic, going as far as to say he has to figure out “life here” in the F1 paddock.
The new rules feature a heavy emphasis on battery management, something that has sucked a great deal of enjoyment out of the sport for Verstappen.
When asked directly whether he actually meant that he was going to leave F1 at the end of the season, he confirmed to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“That’s what I’m saying,”
“I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.”
He added: “Privately I’m very happy.
“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.”
Despite this, his championship rivals from last season, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have had their say on if they think he will hang up his F1 racing boots.
Reigning World Champion Norris is less convinced than others, as he believes Verstappen will “stay longer than people say”.
That being said he is not ruling it out, adding that it would be a shame to see him go if it was to happen.
“He’s always been very open to say what he thinks, whether you agree or not or whether you should say it or shouldn’t. He’s himself and I think that’s a very good way to live your life.
“It would be a shame for the sport, it will be a miss for the sport, if that does happen because he probably is one of the best drivers you’ll see in Formula 1 ever.”
Norris’ McLaren teammate Piastri had a similar opinion on the matter.
“It be would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, you know especially at this point in his career as well. I think it would be a big loss for the sport as a whole,” said the Australian driver.
“For us as drivers, we want to race against the best and try and prove ourselves against the best and I think Max has shown his calibre in the last 10 years. I think especially the last five or six he’s been the benchmark so, for everyone it would be a pretty big shame and obviously not a great look.”
One of the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen potentially disappearing from the grid is definitely a sign that F1 need to act now or they will risk losing a major fanbase, one they had worked so hard to build over the past decade.
