Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle believes that Max Verstappen has openly doubted his future in the premier class for long enough. According to the current analyst, the statements of the world champion, whose driving skills he would miss if he retires early, are even becoming ‘a bit boring’, and Verstappen faces an easy choice: ‘Leave Formula 1 or stop talking about it’.
Read more IMSA counters Verstappen: ‘This is pure racing’
Since the Japanese GP, the rumor mill has been working overtime in Formula 1: will Max Verstappen retire early or not? The Dutchman himself openly sowed doubt about his future in the premier class at Suzuka, saying he would make a decision in the ‘coming weeks, months’. Verstappen’s doubt comes amidst disappointing results at Red Bull and his ongoing struggles with the fickle RB22. The Dutch world champion has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the new Formula 1 regulations several times.
During the recent episode of The F1 Show, former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle discusses Verstappen’s statements about his F1 future. “Max is very straightforward, isn’t he?” asks the current analyst. “He always has been. He’s been saying for a long time: ‘I’m not staying in Formula 1 for the long term’. Max would say it’s starting to get a bit boring now. But I actually find what he’s saying a bit boring – leave F1 or stop talking about it, because it is what it is. You have to make the best of it.”
Brundle would find it a huge shame if Verstappen decided to quit Formula 1 early. “I would miss his talent enormously. His unparalleled speed and car control are something very few people in the history of motorsport have had,” Brundle praises the world champion. “It is truly extraordinary.”
Read more Arvid Lindblad crashes during Pirelli tyre test at Suzuka
‘Nobody is indispensable in F1’
Verstappen is seen by many experts as one of the best drivers in the history of the sport, yet Formula 1 would simply continue without the world champion, Brundle thinks. “Nobody is indispensable in this sport,” says the former driver. “I’ve seen some great people come and go, and the sport just goes on without them. There are countless Antonellis, Bearmans, and Lindblads who would do the job incredibly well for one percent of the money. The sport just goes on if Max decides to leave, but in the meantime, he’s doing quite a bit of damage. But we all understand that’s how Max operates.”
NOW ONLINE: 40 pages Race Special GP Japan: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis, and interview!
Read more McLaren team principal sees ‘best version’ of Piastri: ‘Strongest Oscar since his F1 debut’
