What Max Verstappen did immediately after Japan GP shows he is serious about F1 retirement

Max Verstappen's actions right after his disappointing finish at the Japanese Grand Prix has created further concerns that he could retire.

We are now three races into the 2026 Formula One season and the drama surrounding the new regulations introduced this year is not going away.

Since the start of the season, many drivers have spoken out against the new rules, claiming that they are both dangerous and boring.

Verstappen has undoubtedly been the most vocal about his disliking of the regulations, claiming 'this is not racing' and calling it a 'joke'.

His frustrations with the regulations, combined with Red Bull's poor performances so far this season, has led to rumours that the Dutchman could retire from Formula One at the end of the season to focus on his new venture into GT3 racing.

And it appears that these fears are completely valid as Verstappen was spotted conducting a private test with the Mercedes AMG GT3 at the Nurburgring less than 48 hours after the Japanese Grand Prix.

The four-time F1 champion reportedly few directly from Japan to western Germany to conduct the test.

It comes just 10 days after his team was disqualified after he claimed his second-ever GT3 race victory at the same track

Just two hours after the race, the technical commission discovered that Verstappen and teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon had used seven sets of tyres instead of the permitted six.

Verstappen has been outspoken about his feelings on the new regulations. (Image: Clive Rose - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Six months earlier, Verstappen won on his GT3 endurance race debut at the Nordschleifel, sharing victory with teammate Chris Lulham in Emil Frey Racing's Ferrari 296 GT3 back in September.

The F1 legend will next compete at the iconic Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in May.

Max Verstappen addresses retirement rumours after Japanese Grand Prix

Following his eighth placed finish in Suzuka, the Red Bull star said he was "not enjoying the whole formula" put in place by the new regulation changes.

When asked whether that meant was considering leaving F1 at the end of the season, the Dutchman told BBC Sport: "That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock.

"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?"