Formula 1 could potentially be one legend short after a trying 2026 season.
Formula 1 legend Max Verstappen had an incredibly candid interview with the BBC following the race at Suzuka. His future is now in question beyond the 2026 season.
While his results have been lackluster, currently sitting in ninth in the rankings, Verstappen has made it well known he was not a proponent of the new engine rules this season. With many likening them to "Mario Kart" Verstappen is less concerned about his finishing place and more about his happiness.
Due to certain changes in the sport, Verstappen was very honest when it came to his future, while speaking with the BBC.
"Privately I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"
While the Dutchman does not blame his finishes for the the reason of being unhappy, it does cause for pause as a potential factor, regardless of comment.
"I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am," Vertsappen said. "Because I also know that you can't be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I'm very realistic in that and I've been there before. I've not only been winning in F1.
"But at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn't feel natural to a racing driver.
"Of course I try to adapt to it, but it's not nice the way you have to race. It's really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it's just not what I want to do.
"And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it's not about money any more because this has always been my passion."
Again, it's hard imagining his performances aren't playing a role in his potential decision to walk away from the sport. However, Red Bull has seen the largest regulation changes in the history of the sport this season and Verstappen has repeatedly been a critic of the changes, not the competitiveness.
Particularly the new battery changes that require charging multiple times a lap and changes the way drivers fundamentally race. It has been a source of contention across the board, not just with Verstappen.
The 28-year-old still has two years left on his current contract but could potentially look at racing sport cars.
"I have a lot of other projects anyway that I have a lot of passion about," he said. "The GT3 racing. Not only racing it myself but also the team. It's really nice and fun to build that. And I really want to build that out further in the coming years.
"It's not like if I would stop here that I'm not going to do anything. I'm always going to have fun. And also I will have fun in a lot of other things in my life.
"But it's a bit sad to be honest that we're even talking about this. It is what it is. You don't need to feel sorry for me. I'll be fine."
Come next season, F1 could look much different without one of its legends suiting up.