Max Verstappen has admitted that the beginning of Formula 1’s new 2026 technical era pushed him to think seriously about retirement, revealing that he felt he had “hit rock bottom” during the opening race weekends of the season. Speaking as he reached his 250th Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore, the four-time world champion also discussed his future with Red Bull and criticised the increasingly crowded paddock, which he compared to a “zoo”.
Verstappen, who recently turned 29, has moved from being Formula 1’s controversial teenage prodigy to one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. His 250th start in Singapore underlined that transformation: the former young sensation is now a four-time world champion and, statistically as well as in experience, one of the championship’s established veterans.
Max Verstappen says he hit ‘rock bottom’ early in 2026
That experience has also shaped the way Max Verstappen discusses Formula 1’s technical direction. In an extensive interview with Erik Van Haren for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he stressed that his frequent criticism of the championship is not designed to win approval from fans or increase his popularity.
“That was never my objective. I simply express what I think, and I say what I believe is wrong while giving suggestions about what could be improved,” the four-time world champion explained. “Sometimes I receive criticism from certain people for behaving this way, but perhaps that is because they do not understand what I mean.”
“In the end, though, you always find out whether something is right or wrong. It is just that sometimes it takes a little longer than in other situations.”
One of Verstappen’s strongest concerns centred on Formula 1’s 2026 power units. Asked whether the new engine regulations had genuinely pushed him towards contemplating retirement from racing, the Red Bull driver confirmed just how difficult the beginning of the season had been.
“Yes, I had really hit rock bottom, especially during the first few weekends of this season. I had never experienced a feeling like that before.”
Verstappen sees signs of improvement in Formula 1’s future direction
Despite those frustrations, Verstappen believes Formula 1 has listened to at least some of the concerns raised over the new technical formula. He pointed in particular to future changes that are expected to give the internal combustion engine a slightly greater role.
“Obviously, the sport has partly listened to our requests and there will be changes in the coming years, with a slightly more important role for the combustion engine,” Max Verstappen said.
His situation at Red Bull also remains an important reason for optimism. Verstappen emphasised that he is comfortable with the people around him and with the team’s results-first mentality.
“At Red Bull I feel really good with the people I work with and with the way we operate as a team. For us, the result comes before everything else; that is the most important thing. But you also need to feel comfortable and feel that you are appreciated, and that is exactly how it is here.”
Verstappen also believes Red Bull’s longer-term prospects appear encouraging, although he stopped short of guaranteeing that he will remain in Formula 1 all the way to the end of the decade.
“The future prospects also look positive, although that is no guarantee that I will stay in this sport at least until 2030. You can never say for certain, but that is the goal.”
Max Verstappen compares Formula 1 paddock to a ‘zoo’
Verstappen also raised another concern about modern Formula 1: the increasing number of guests inside the paddock and team hospitality areas. The Dutchman believes the environment has become so crowded that drivers have fewer opportunities to relax or have ordinary conversations during race weekends.
“Recently, the paddock really feels like a zoo. Often it is no longer possible to have a chat with someone; actually, you simply cannot do it anymore,” Max Verstappen said.
As a result, he has increasingly limited his movements during Grand Prix weekends.
“So I spend the weekends moving between my little room and the pit lane. Even in our hospitality there are too many guests who want something from you. Obviously, they are people with good intentions, but as a driver I also need to have the opportunity to rest without constantly being disturbed.”
The pressure, he acknowledged, is partly a consequence of his own success and increased profile within Formula 1.
“I know it is part of the game and that the more results you achieve and the more milestones you reach, the more people expect something from you. From that point of view, it is actually a good sign as well…”
Verstappen’s 250th Grand Prix comes at a turning point in his career
Reaching 250 Formula 1 starts in Singapore offered a fitting moment for Max Verstappen to reflect on how his relationship with the championship has evolved. The aggressive teenage newcomer who once divided opinion throughout the paddock is now a four-time world champion assessing not only his next race, but also how long he wants to remain in Formula 1.
His difficult reaction to the new 2026 formula shows that retirement has at least entered his thinking, but his comments also make clear that there are reasons for him to remain optimistic. Changes to Formula 1’s future technical direction, his strong relationship with Red Bull and positive expectations for the team’s future have all helped improve his outlook.
The wider championship continues through a revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with Verstappen now approaching the closing stages of his 250th-race season as one of the grid’s most experienced figures.
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