A driver from outside of Formula 1 has revealed a private text from Max Verstappen amid concern that he could quit Formula 1.
Verstappen stated after the Japanese Grand Prix that he was considering his future in F1 because of the new 2026 regulations.
The Dutchman is a four-time world champion, having won each title between 2021 and 2024, but has been increasingly exploring other forms of motorsport.
He will compete at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring next month, having taken part in qualifying races during F1's five-week break, and has stated his desire to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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One discipline of motorsport that is off the table is rallying, with Verstappen not a fan of the lack of barrier protection on the courses.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds, meanwhile, sent the Dutchman a 'tongue-in-cheek' message earlier this month, enquiring about whether he would like to test an FE car after he likened the new regulations to 'Formula E on steroids'.
"He does feel like they've compromised F1 at the moment by trying to do the best of both worlds [electric power and combustion engine]," he said.
"Obviously, we're pure electric. F1 used to be pure combustion.
"I sent him a slightly tongue-in-cheek message last night. I haven't checked, but I don't think he's replied.
"Look, if Max wants to come and test out the GEN4 car, I think he'd be really impressed by what's coming. Open invitation, no cameras, no media, any racetrack he wants in the world."
Series champion reveals private text from Verstappen
Following the unveiling of FE's new GEN4 race car, which can go from 0-200kph in approximately 4.4 seconds and deliver 50 per cent mode in race mode than its predecessor, 2019-20 series champion Antonio Felix da Costa made an intriguing comment regarding Verstappen.
The Portuguese revealed that the four-time F1 champion had texted him following the unveiling of the new car, simply writing: "That's cool!"
It represented a major difference from his feelings on the previous car.
"From when the Gen3 was revealed, one of the first messages I got was from Max Verstappen," Da Costa told RacingNews365. "And he was like, 'I'm not sure about this one'.
"Yesterday, when it went out, one of the first messages I got was from Max Verstappen saying, 'This is cool!'
"So yeah, if the F1 guys are validating it, that's a cool thing as well, and I think it's just great for the series."
And Dodds again reminded Verstappen of his impending invite, stating: "There are incredible racing drivers across all forms of motorsport.
"So I think there's a load of different drivers from different disciplines I would love to see here.
"I think, if I could only pick one that wasn't a Formula E driver, I'd probably choose Max."
Topics: Motorsport
Ryan Smart