Max Verstappen Hints at Early Exit from F1 Amid Frustration with Swearing Incident
Max Verstappen has expressed frustration over recent incidents in Formula 1, suggesting the sport's "silly" rules and punishments could accelerate his exit. After being handed a penalty for using an expletive during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver has hinted he may walk away from F1 sooner than expected if he feels unable to be himself.
The 26-year-old, who has spoken before about potentially retiring young, voiced his displeasure with the situation. Verstappen's frustration stems from what he sees as excessive regulation on drivers' conduct. He pointed to his penalty as an example of the sport overreacting, describing it as "super-silly."
He said, "If you can't really be yourself, like to the fullest, then it's better not to speak."
Verstappen gives short answers at press conference in protest
Verstappen’s use of strong language while discussing his car's performance in Baku led to the punishment, which required him to perform public interest work. In protest, Verstappen gave brief answers during official press conferences in Singapore, explaining that he felt wronged by the ruling.
"For me personally, there is absolutely no desire to give long answers when you get treated like that," he said.
The Dutch driver has enjoyed immense success in F1, but he feels that the constant scrutiny and limitations on his behaviour are taking a toll.
“Once you’ve accomplished winning championships and races, you want to just have a good time as well,” Verstappen explained.
He emphasised that if he couldn’t enjoy himself, there would be no point in continuing.
Verstappen, currently contracted with Red Bull until 2028, has hinted at a broader frustration with how the sport is governed.
"These kinds of things decide my future as well when you can’t be yourself or deal with these silly things," he said.
He suggested that such incidents might shorten his career, as the restrictions hinder his enjoyment of the sport.
Verstappen supported by other drivers
The reigning champion's fellow drivers have largely supported him, with Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris sharing his view that the penalty was excessive.
Verstappen also noted that other drivers found the ruling amusing, stating, "I wrote in the GPDA [Grand Prix Drivers' Association] WhatsApp chat and everyone was almost laughing."
His frustrations aren't limited to his personal situation. Verstappen criticised recent decisions by the FIA, such as Ferrari's Carlos Sainz receiving a fine for crossing the track during a red flag in qualifying.
“What are we talking about?” he asked. “It’s quite safe, and he knows what he’s doing. We are not stupid.”
Despite his frustrations, Verstappen remains focused on racing but insists that if the sport continues in this direction, it won’t be a problem for him to leave.
"F1 will go on without me. It’s not a problem. But also, it’s not a problem for me," he said, making it clear that his future in Formula 1 could hinge on how these issues evolve.
