Max Verstappen will decide his F1 future in the coming weeks after his disappointing start to 2026 continued in Japan.
It was Kimi Antonelli who took the chequered flag first in the third round of the season, who now leads George Russell by nine points after the Brit missed out on a podium finish.
Verstappen could only manage eighth at Suzuka after another concerning weekend for Red Bull who sit sixth in the team standings with just 16 points from the opening three races.
The Dutchman spent a large majority of the race behind former teammate Pierre Gasly, and sarcastically waved him off into the distance after a failed attempt to get past the Alpine.
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It has been no secret that Verstappen is not a fan of the new regulations, but Japan may have been the final straw with reports claiming he is now 'seriously considering' leaving the sport at the end of the season.
According to Dutch publication De Telegraf, the next few weeks will be a 'crucial time' for Verstappen who is giving thorough consideration to his future in F1.
Verstappen's frustrations stem from his lack of enjoyment of the new era cars, with a slight tweak to qualifying in Japan not proving to change his mind.
Verstappen confirms he is considering retirement after Japan GP
Following the race, Verstappen confirmed he will be taking time to assess his options, with the 28-year-old also competing in endurance racing this season.
"That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock," he told the BBC when asked if he would leave at the end of the season.
"Privately I'm very happy, you also wait for 24 races, this time it's 22 but normally 24.
"And then 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?" He added.
Verstappen insisted that his issues with the cars are strictly due to their driveability and not due to Red Bull's lack of competitiveness when compared to Mercedes and Ferrari.
"I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am," he continued.
"Because I also know that you can't be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time.
I'm very realistic in that and I've been there before. I've not only been winning in F1, but at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn't feel natural to a racing driver."
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins