Unhappy Max Verstappen is as close as you can get to jumping ship – but he’s not leaving F1

Max Verstappen has issued an ultimatum suggesting he could leave Formula 1, but Guenther Steiner claims the threats are merely a bluff.

The four-time champion has publicly described the newly regulated cars as ‘Formula E on steroids’ and compared the driving experience to ‘playing Mario Karts’, leading to speculation that he might walk away from the sport entirely.

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Verstappen’s primary frustration lies with the current energy management protocols, which force drivers to race under the limit in specific sectors of the track to recharge the battery.

During the recent month-long break following the cancellation of the Grands Prix in the Middle East, the FIA held urgent talks with F1 personnel to address these concerns.

As a result, adjustments include a reduction in maximum recharge which will be implemented to encourage more flat-out-driving, a style that clearly suits the Dutchman.

Speaking to talkSPORT, on behalf of Casino.org, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner insisted that the 28-year-old is not actually walking away from the career that he has spent his life building.

He said: ” I don’t think he’s going to leave F1. I think he’s as close as he can get to going to another team. But obviously, that’s not easy.

“The way he does it is just putting it out there and saying ‘I’m ready to leave F1’. I do not think he wants to leave. It’s what he’s worked for all his life.

“He’s a four-time world champion, he wants to win more, but he wants to be in a car that can win.

“And at the moment, I think he’s not too happy. And if he doesn’t tell people that he’s ready to move, then people won’t know this.”

A legacy of a lifetime

Formula 1 without Verstappen is a difficult prospect to imagine.

The 71-time race winner has firmly entered the ‘greatest of all time’ debate. He is one of only six drivers in history to win at least four championship – one more than the legendary Ayrton Senna.

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It’s a subjective question, but the Dutchman has broke records and moved the goalpost season-after-season.

The ex-Haas boss believes it would be a tragedy to see Verstappen abandon a career he has worked so hard to achieve.

Rival Lando Norris recently backed the Dutchman to remain in the sport.

Norris said: “Hopefully, things get better. I just saw that he said he wants to win the fifth world championship, so I’m sure he’ll stay longer than people say.

“It would be a shame for the sport if that happened, because he probably is one of the best drivers you’ll see in Formula 1 ever.”

Despite his desire to remain the world’s best, the prospect of Verstappen switching allegiances remains a major taking point.

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The Red Bull driver has confirmed he will stay with the team for the remainder of the season, despite the news his right-hand man, Gianpiero Lambiase, is set to join Mclaren after 2027.

Many believe this signals a potential future move for the champion, as Lambiase has previously stated he would never want to work with another driver in the same capacity.

Additionally, Verstappen has been linked to Mercedes for several years, with Toto Wolff remaining frustrated that the team missed out on signing him early in his career.

When speaking to talkSPORT, Steiner added: “A champion like him will find a car. All the good teams want the best driver, and he’s in my opinion the best driver at the moment.

I think he’s close (to leaving), but the cockpits are all filled.”

He continued: “Something needs to happen [with the regulations], but you know Formula 1, you never know what is coming next.

“But I don’t think he will be leaving. I think he will be as close as you can get him to jumping ship and changing teams.”

Formula 1 returns in Miami next week. The FIA has confirmed that Practice 1 will be extended to 90 minutes, to ensure teams can understand the new regulations.