Max Verstappen has called for the FIA to implement major changes following the Australian Grand Prix, hinting he could retire if nothing is done.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, the iconic red lights went out for the first time of the 2026 Formula One season at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit.
Mercedes driver George Russell showed why so many have tipped him to win the title this season as he won the race following an impressive drive, with teammate Kimi Antonelli in second ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
Meanwhile seven-time champion Verstappen secured driver of the day as he recovered a P20 start following his crash in qualifying and finished the race in sixth, behind reigning champion Lando Norris.
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However, that didn't mean that the Dutchman was happy, as he spoke out post-race demanding that some key changes are implemented while dropping another hint about his retirement plans.
For several months Verstappen has been outspoken about his dislike of the brand new regulations introduced for the 2026 Formula One season, describing it as "Formula E on steroids” and “not pure F1.”
And even after what was quite an exciting race in Melbourne, this opinion clearly hasn't changed as he criticised the new rules when asked whether he would continue racing if there are no changes.
He replied: “I love racing, but you can only take so much, right?
“I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action.
“I’m not the only one saying it. A lot of people are saying the same, be it the drivers or the fans.
“We just want the best for the sport. It’s not that we are critical, just to be critical. We are critical for a reason.
“We want it to be Formula 1, you know, proper Formula 1 on steroids, but today, again, that was not the case.”
Following the race, Verstappen wasn't the only driver to criticise the new regulations, as Norris also speaking out, calling them 'artificial' and 'chaos'.
When asked further about if F1 need to be worried about the racing under the new regulations, Verstappen added: “I think what they should worry about are the rules.
“They ask questions, and I give my opinion of what I would like to see and what I think is better for the sport, because I do care about it.
“I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this. So let’s see what we can do.
“I hope that even during this year, we can come up with some different solutions so it becomes more enjoyable for everyone.”
Verstappen will have another chance to drive under the new regulations during the second race of the season, the Chinese Grand Prix, on March 15.
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, FIA, George Russell, Motorsport
Ben McCrum