Max Verstappen hinted several times during the past race weekend in Japan that he is considering quitting Formula 1. In recent weeks, he has already expressed criticism of the new regulations, but after another disappointment at Suzuka, he openly questioned his future in the sport for the first time. Former champion Damon Hill doubts whether the FIA will adjust the rules to please Verstappen. Furthermore, he believes the Dutchman deserves a break.
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In a podcast for the BBC, Damon Hill reacted to all the commotion surrounding Verstappen. The former champion, also a well-known critic of the Dutchman, understands why he is considering retirement. “If you’re not happy doing what you’re doing, I think it’s time to do something else,” said the Englishman. “He (Verstappen, ed.) should absolutely not feel obligated to stay in Formula 1. You might think he’s using these statements to put pressure on the sport and force regulatory changes, but I actually think that’s pointless; then people will just start shouting: ‘Stop and take some time to think about it.’ You simply don’t always get your way.”
‘Perhaps the fun is just gone’
“Many people argue that these regulations – from a driver’s perspective – are not the reason they started racing in the first place,” Hill explained. “I don’t race anymore myself, of course, but I have to admit it looks strange when drivers back off on the straight. Maybe that takes some getting used to, or maybe it will still be adjusted through a regulation change. As for Max: he doesn’t have to do this, of course. He’s already made heaps of money, is a young father, and has been in the sport for a while. Perhaps the fun is just gone and he needs a break.”
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Verstappen stated several times in Japan that he no longer enjoys Formula 1. “For me, it’s not fun at the moment,” the four-time champion concluded. “And if you’re away from home for 22 races, it has to be for something fun. Of course, I still give everything when I’m in the car. But with how Formula 1 is set up now… If you don’t enjoy it, I don’t think you can get the maximum out of it. I try to keep it fun with other things, of course, but that also stops at some point.” Verstappen later confirmed that he hopes to make a decision about his F1 future in the ‘coming weeks and months’.
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