Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has issued a fresh update on his future after suggesting he was considering quitting F1 following the Japanese Grand Prix.
Later on Friday, Verstappen will return to the track for the first time since finishing eighth and extending his early-season woes at the Japanese Grand Prix.
F1 then took a five-week break due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In 2026, the four-time world champion has failed to secure a single podium, leaving him ninth in the standings heading into the Miami race.
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The Dutchman has been vocal in his criticism of the sport’s new regulations, including the 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric engines, comparing it to Formula E on “steroids”, while also saying it is less “fun”, “anti-racing” and like “playing Mario Kart”.
Shortly after the Suzuka race in March, Verstappen was asked whether he was going to “walk away from F1 at the end of the year”, to which he replied: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.”
While the on-track action has been put on hold in recent weeks, rumours continue to swirl about Verstappen’s future – or lack of it – with some reports claiming that he may follow his long-term ally Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren in 2028.
Engineer Lambiase has worked closely with Verstappen throughout his time at Red Bull, with the pair winning four successive Drivers’ Championships between 2021 and 2024.
McLaren team principal Zak Brown has insisted that he is more than happy with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri despite the Verstappen links.
Verstappen updates stance on F1 future
So, with refinements made to the regulations ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday (May 3), has Verstappen’s stance on his future in the sport changed?
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old said he is still mulling over his future, maintaining he will take his time before announcing an official decision.
“I still have time and I’m taking my time,” he said.
When pressed on whether an upturn in Red Bull’s performance would impact his decision, he added: “We are a little bit further behind at the moment than what we had last year.
“The rest, I mean, also for myself, I don’t know at the moment. What I said in Japan is still the same, but I also still have a lot of time.
“I just want to be here. The team has worked really hard to bring updates to the car, so we first have to wait and see what they will do, because I have no idea, of course, what other teams have brought as well.
“I just hope that we can escape the midfield battle a little bit and be a bit further up front.”
Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell lead the standings ahead of the season’s fourth race.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Motorsport
Luke Davies