Max Verstappen Insists He Will Stay in F1 Despite 2026 Rule Frustrations

Max Verstappen has reassured that the fans that he will continue racing in Formula 1 even though the regulations seem overly complex.

Max Verstappen Insists He Will Stay in F1 Despite 2026 Rule Frustrations

Max Verstappen (via Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen has not taken kindly to the 2026 regulations because of the complexity. He joked about how Formula 1 now felt like Formula E on steroids because of the regulations. However, despite his initial aversion to the upcoming regulations, he has reassured that he is going to continue racing in the pinnacle of motorsport and not give up so easily.

Max Verstappen has tried his hand at other categories of motorsport and even achieved success in them. Recently, Verstappen debuted in the GT3 and picked up the race win on his debut entry. Moreover, the Dutchman is looking forward to racing in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring NLS series. Despite competing in so many sports, he feels his best in Formula 1.

Speaking about potentially retiring from Formula 1 because of the complex regulations, Max Verstappen reckoned that everything needed to turn out negatively to make him consider exiting. However, there was no question of this possibility, and hence, he would just continue. Further, Verstappen noted that just because he disliked something about F1, it did not mean that he wanted to quit the sport.

Then everything must turn out to be very negative, but there is no question of that. I will just continue. If I don’t like something, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to do it.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by RacingNews365.

As a purist and motorsport enthusiast, Max Verstappen wanted some particular things in Formula 1 to be different in 2026. However, he accepted that he had to adjust to the regulations no matter what. As such, he will try to extract the best performance possible, despite the uncertain regulations, and give it his all on the track.

As a purist, as a motorsport enthusiast, I would have preferred it to be different. But I also know I have to make do with this. I can’t adjust it now. That’s why I always try to get the most out of it.

Max Verstappen added.

Max Verstappen claims 2026 F1 regulations “don’t help him to keep going”

Certainly, Max Verstappen will continue to participate in multiple other categories despite his success in Formula 1. It will be interesting to see if he considers a full switch to another motorsport because of F1’s difficult regulations in recent years. Verstappen accepted that, though a switch in sports was not in the cards, it might happen because of the new regulations not helping his case either.

Max Verstappen (via Getty)
Max Verstappen (via Getty)

Max Verstappen stated that since he had achieved everything in Formula 1, he didn’t need to continue racing. There were many other fun things he could and would do apart from the pinnacle of motorsport to find excitement. Verstappen declared that he already had many ventures planned outside of F1 this year and in the coming years. Moreover, the regulations did not help him to keep going for a very long time in F1.

When you’ve already won and achieved everything, then it [driving in F1] doesn’t really have to happen anymore. There are lots of other fun things you can do, of course, and that’s what I’m definitely going to do. Maybe already this year and in the years to come. This [the regulations change] certainly doesn’t help to keep going for a very long time.

Max Verstappen noted.

The 2026 regulations have received a lot of negative opinions even before the silly season has started. It will be interesting to witness what the drivers think about once they get used to it. For now, Max Verstappen has his priorities straight and isn’t going to leave the sport simply because of uncertain regulations.

Continue Reading: Red Bull Chief Designer Quits Days Before F1 Season