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Verstappen clarifies F1 exit concerns after Domenicali’s latest comments

Photo: Race Pictures

11:00, 12 Mar

bySamson Ero

Max Verstappen has addressed concerns about a potential exit from Formula 1, despite reassurances from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I wish I had a bit more fun for sure…”

- Max Verstappen

Having flirted with the possibility of an abrupt exit from the sport last time out in Australia, the Red Bull Racing driver clarified that leaving the sport is not his intention, though he acknowledged that racing has become less enjoyable.

“I don’t want to leave really. Like I said, I wish I had a bit more fun for sure, but I’m also doing other stuff that is a lot of fun,” Verstappen said to the media in Shanghai.

The four-time world champion explained that he is keeping busy with what he calls “positive distractions.”

“I mean, I get to race the Nordschleife. Hopefully, in the coming years I can do Spa, maybe Le Mans. So, I’m combining stuff to find other stuff that I find really fun as well. Of course, my team is ongoing, so I have a lot of distractions at the same time, positive distractions, I would call it,” he added.

Max Verstappen - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen further noted the conflicting emotions about continuing in F1, coupled with how less fun the current generation of cars are to drive.

“But at the same time, it’s a bit conflicting because I don’t really enjoy driving the car, but I do enjoy working with all the people in the team and from the engine department as well. Yeah, it’s almost like a bit of a mind…”

Verstappen circled back to his earlier point that he does not desire to leave F1 before revealing he has held talks with FOM and FIA about working to improve the current regulations.

Max Verstappen - Photo: Race Pictures

“…I don’t want to leave, but I also hope, of course, that it gets better. And I know, I mean, I’ve had discussions with FOM and FIA, and I think we are working towards something, hopefully, and hopefully that will improve everything.”

Earlier, F1 CEO Domenicali had poured cold water on talks of the possibility of Verstappen walking away from the sport, detailing how he and several stakeholders have held conversations with the driver to address his concerns with the new cars.

Verstappen has been discussing a few options with the FIA

Verstappen opted to keep his cards close to his chest when asked about possible changes to the current regulations. The Dutch driver, however, expressed optimism that these changes could be implemented as early as next season.

“I definitely hope not for the next few years, but I hope already for next year we can make a decent improvement. There are a few options that we are discussing,” he concluded.

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