Verstappen admits he has seriously considered quitting F1

Max Verstappen has admitted he has seriously considered quitting Formula 1, saying he will stop the moment it stops being fun. The four-time world champion insists he won't stay in the sport just to chase records or extend his career artificially.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's future is a pivotal storyline for F1. Losing its dominant champion would reshape Red Bull's plans and the entire competitive order. His remarks also underline a shift among top drivers away from career longevity for its own sake.

The details:

• Verstappen answered "Yes, absolutely" when asked if he had ever seriously thought about walking away.
• "If it's no longer fun, then I stop," he said, making clear he won't artificially prolong his time in F1.
• He has repeatedly shown interest in other motorsport categories, especially endurance racing, and recently made waves with outings at the Nürburgring.
• Joking about Kimi Räikkönen's 11-year-old son Robin, Verstappen said: "Who knows. Maybe, maybe not. Eventually they need a place for him in the team. Maybe I'll make space then."

What's next:

An immediate exit isn't on the horizon, but Verstappen's comments show his future isn't a distant concern. The deciding factor won't be his speed — it will be his desire to keep racing in F1.