Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen could hit the brakes at year’s end. The Red Bull driver said he has considered retiring from F1 at the end of the 2026 — two years before the end of his lucrative contract — admitting that he’s “not enjoying the sport” after a disappointing eighth-place finish at Saturday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has been the king of Formula 1 for four years running.

Initially describing the new regulations as "Formula E on steroids", Verstappen has argued that driving the new era of cars is more about energy management than pure racing.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy waves after the qualifying session of the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan, Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Oscar Piastri reignited his world title hopes with a brilliant drive to claim his first podium of the new Formula One season when he finished second in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Piastri topped the timesheet on Friday as McLaren set the challenge to Mercedes, and they answered it by outpacing last year’s constructors’ champions in the final practice session.