Former Formula 1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. has warned that Max Verstappen’s future in the sport could depend heavily on whether Formula 1 evolves in a direction that keeps him motivated and satisfied.
Max Verstappen is unhappy
In recent days, Formula 1 has been closely evaluating potential improvements to the current regulatory framework, with drivers also actively involved in the discussions. Among the most vocal participants—both publicly and behind the scenes—is Max Verstappen, who has repeatedly called for a return to a Formula 1 where drivers can push to the absolute limit without being overly restricted by energy management systems.
Verstappen has previously hinted at the possibility of retirement, but his increased involvement as a key driver voice in discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA also shows that all parties are keen to keep him on the grid for as long as possible.
Nelsinho Piquet: “Verstappen is not in F1 for money”
Speaking in an interview with Spanish outlet SoyMotor, Nelson Piquet Jr. was asked about Verstappen’s potential future decisions. The Brazilian—who has a personal connection to the Dutch driver through his sister Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s partner—offered a candid assessment.
“Max is a very genuine person and he says what he thinks. He is not there for the money, but for the sport, the challenge, and because he enjoys it. If he no longer feels comfortable, he would probably do something else,” he said.
Piquet Jr. continued: “He knows what he wants and he does what he feels. If F1 doesn’t make him happy, he will say: ‘Okay, I’ll go do something that makes me happy.’ Whether that is GT racing, rallying, karting, or something else. I know many drivers in Formula 1 who are there for the money, because they have bills to pay. But that is not his case. He is not chasing money. If things don’t change, there is a chance he could say he wants to do something else, and when things become enjoyable again, he might come back. Knowing him, I can say that if he doesn’t feel passion for the sport, there is a strong chance he will go and do something else.”
Nelson Piquet Jr.’s comments confirm what many fans have suspected: Max Verstappen is a “pure” racer in an increasingly “corporate” era. In 2026, where software and battery recovery are as vital as steering inputs, the risk of losing a talent like Max is a wake-up call for the sport. If F1 wants to keep its benchmark driver, it needs to ensure the “challenge” Piquet mentions remains the focal point of every Grand Prix weekend.
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