Max Verstappen threatens FIA he’ll retire from F1 with Dutchman angry at…read more.
Max Verstappen, the three-time Formula 1 world champion, has voiced his frustration with the FIA, hinting that their decision to penalize him for swearing could influence his future in the sport. Verstappen, who has often expressed uncertainty about his long-term commitment to F1, is now even more vocal following the incident during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
The controversy stems from Thursday’s pre-race press conference, where Verstappen’s use of colorful language drew the attention of the FIA. In response, the governing body mandated that he complete ‘work of public interest.’ This decision didn’t sit well with Verstappen, who was visibly upset after his discussion with race stewards. His dissatisfaction culminated in a protest during the post-qualifying press conference, where he initially refused to engage with the media. Instead of participating in the FIA’s official presser, he answered questions outside the paddock, further underscoring his discontent.
Verstappen’s frustration was palpable when addressing the media after Sunday’s race. When asked whether these types of incidents could influence his decision to stay in Formula 1, he didn’t hold back: “Oh, for sure,” he responded. “I mean, these kinds of things definitely decide my future as well. You can’t be yourself, or you have to deal with these kinds of silly things.”
He elaborated on how these issues are beginning to wear him down, stating, “I’m at the stage of my career where you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring. Of course, it’s great to have success and win races, but once you’ve accomplished all that – winning championships and races – you just want to have a good time as well.”
Verstappen made it clear that while he remains competitive and focused on his performance on the track, the growing number of off-track distractions could push him to reconsider his place in the sport. “Everyone is pushing to the limit,” he continued. “Even at the back of the grid, everyone is in this battle. But if you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me, that’s another reason to maybe not continue in the sport.”
The Dutchman’s comments highlight a growing frustration with Formula 1’s governing body and the regulatory environment in which drivers must operate. While fines, penalties, and mandatory appearances for certain infractions are common, Verstappen’s protest indicates that he feels the FIA is increasingly encroaching on drivers’ ability to express themselves authentically. His reaction could also be seen as a response to the heightened scrutiny top drivers face, both on and off the track.
Despite the off-track drama, Verstappen’s on-track performance in Singapore was a testament to his skill and determination. Although he didn’t win the race, his second-place finish minimized the damage as Lando Norris claimed victory. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, however, struggled, finishing 10th. This result marked one of the rare occasions this season where Verstappen did not dominate, yet his driving in challenging conditions earned him valuable points in the championship race.
For Verstappen, the situation highlights a broader question of how long he intends to remain in Formula 1. Having already secured multiple world championships and established himself as one of the sport’s greatest talents, Verstappen may feel that there is little left for him to prove. His statements suggest that if the off-track issues – particularly those involving the FIA – continue to escalate, he might opt to walk away from the sport sooner than anticipated.
