Max Verstappen’s relationship with the FIA has been characterized by several disputes and tensions over recent years, primarily revolving around radio communications, on-track incidents, and post-race behavior. The Dutchman has been critical of the FIA’s decisions at times, expressing frustration over penalties and rulings he found inconsistent.
Verstappen has now hinted that he could potentially retire from F1 earlier than planned as he wonders if the FIA’s rules prevent him from being his true self on and off the track. The 3-time F1 world champion was sanctioned in Thursday’s press conference of the recently held Singapore Grand Prix where he used the word “f***** up” while replying to a journalist’s question about the performance of their car in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The stewards instructed him to carry out “public interest work” after he used the term “f—ed” which was ruled a violation of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
Verstappen, however, responded by giving short and annoying answers in the FIA news conferences held after Saturday’s qualifying and went into detailed answers in his own private media huddles in the F1 paddock.
“For sure. Yeah. I mean, these kinds of things definitely decide my future as well. When you can’t be yourself, you have to deal with these kinds of silly things. I’m at a stage of my career where I don’t want to be dealing with this all the time.” Verstappen replied when asked if FIA’s decisions force him to reconsider his future in F1.
It’s really tiring. Of course, it’s great to have success and win races, but once you have accomplished all that, winning championships and races, then you want to just have a good time as well. But for me, of course, at one point, when it’s enough, it’s enough. We’ll see, everything will go on in Formula 1 without me, it’s not a problem, but it’s also not a problem for me. So it’s how it is.” he added
Verstappen also revealed that he shared the stewards’ decision with fellow drivers in the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) group chat, where they expressed their support for him.
Verstappen has previously hinted at an early exit from F1
This isn’t the first instance of Verstappen expressing thoughts about leaving F1, citing frustrations with the sport. With an expanding calendar featuring sprint races at six events, the 26-year-old mentioned last year that he was beginning to feel fatigued by the demanding schedule.
“I do like racing, I do like winning,” he said in April 2023. “I know that the salary and everything, you have a good life, but is it actually a good life?
“I think sometimes you get to a point in your career where maybe you want to do other stuff. I know that I have a contract until the end of 2028 and then we’ll review again, but I do feel that if it’s getting at one point too much, then it’s time for a change.”
Verstappen also expressed his frustrations over Carlos Sainz’s €25,000 fine which was imposed on him for crossing the track to reach the pitlane after the Ferrari man crashed in Q3 on Saturday.
“Carlos got a fine crossing the track as well,” he explained. “Whatever you’re talking about, it’s a red flag, cars are coming into the pits. I think it’s quite safe and he knows what he’s doing. We’re not stupid.”
Although no individual issue appears sufficient to motivate Verstappen to leave F1, it’s evident that the combined impact of multiple factors could force him to consider an early retirement from F1.
Verstappen currently leads the F1 driver’s championship by 51 points going into the final six races of the season. The next race will be held at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, 20 October 2024.
Read More: Max Verstappen Faces Punishment For Singapore Grand Prix Swearing
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
