Money has always been an inevitable factor in Formula 1 administration because the pinnacle of motorsport doesn’t come cheap. Teams often drop out of the competition in the absence of funds, fueling the trend of “pay drivers” that has tainted the Formula 1 grid’s merits since its inception in 1950.
But teams aren’t the only ones trying to reel in the big bucks: the Formula 1 administration and the FIA are guilty of it too, experimenting with concepts like “Sprint weekends” to make for “more exciting racing.” However, reigning world champion Max Verstappen is unhappy about these “money moves,” and has been vocal about it, too.
Max Verstappen weighs in on F1 forcing major changes
Currently, Max Verstappen enjoys 26.2 points per weekend average: a statistic made possible only due to him winning points at Sprint races too. Nevertheless, the Dutchman has been outspoken on his distaste for the concept of Sprint weekends.
Max Verstappen threatens to quit Formula 1 if Grand Prix weekend format changed https://t.co/qq8RhCYkQo
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 2, 2023
More recently, at the 2023 Belgian GP, he stated, “I never really enjoy these kinds of weekends.” Continuing, he said, “Because you just don’t have the time, and then once you do a mistake, you are stuck with it for the rest of the weekend, and I don’t think it should be like that.”
Clarifying on this later, he explained that it’s not any change he’s opposed to, it’s those that affect the sport’s integrity. While speaking to De Telegraf, he states, “It’s not that I’m completely against changes, as it’s sometimes claimed. But the changes should be improvements for Formula 1. Why change certain things when they’re working well? I find a traditional qualifying session well-structured in its current form.”
His opinions on this matter strike the Dutchman deeply. This is evident from his doubt surrounding his future at F1, which he recently stated was related to the current form of administration.
Max Verstappen sheds light on his F1 future
Claiming that Formula 1 has become “all about money,” the 2-time world champion Max Verstappen recently expressed his doubts about his future at the sport, despite his success recently. But the changes at Formula 1 are not his sole cause for doubting his future.
He expressed his desire to maintain a life beyond Formula 1, and how the work demanded from him poses as a hindrance. He asks himself the question, “Is it worth it?,” elaborating, “Aside from the Grand Prix itself, there’s also simulator work. However, for example, I spend over a month each year on marketing. At a certain point, you don’t feel motivated for it anymore.”
Currently, he is under contract at Red Bull till 2028. He already looks set to grab his 3rd title and has previously claimed his desire to gun for more. Nevertheless, the Red Bull star’s future in the sport will always be contingent on his motivation and desire to race.
Do you think Verstappen is looking to retire after his contract expires? Or do you think that he can find his motivation again? Comment what you think down below.
