Does Max Verstappen want to leave Formula 1? Announcement, after the press found out that he already has another commitment!

• The second Grand Prix of this Formula 1 season, from Shanghai, takes place this Sunday, from 09:00.
• China's PM will be broadcast in Romania by Antena 1 or Antena Stars, and online by antenaplay.ro;

The 2026 season brought some of the most significant rule changes in the competition's history, both to the chassis and powertrains. The new engines place a much greater emphasis on electric power, which has generated controversy among drivers.

Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has been the most vocal critic of Formula 1's new engine rules since the start of testing in Barcelona at the end of January. He compared the new cars to “Formula E on steroids” and continued with regular complaints and criticism.

This stance, along with several statements by him that he does not intend to stay long in Formula 1, has led many analysts to predict a much earlier than expected departure due to disappointment with the new technical regulations.

The confirmation that Max will participate in the “24 Hours of Nürburgring” this year has further amplified these expectations. “I don't actually want to leave. But I definitely want it to be more fun. I'm going to race the Nordschleife and I hope to drive at Spa as well as Le Mans in the near future. I'm combining various things that I like. Of course, I'm also working on my team, which is a nice commitment that distracts me from Formula 1.”

I don't like the way the new cars drive, but I like working with the people in the Red Bull team, as well as the people in the powertrain department.
– Max Verstappen

Despite criticizing the regulations, Max Verstappen had a solid result in the season opener, climbing from 20th to sixth at Albert Park. In the constructors' standings, Red Bull is currently battling McLaren for third place, behind Mercedes-AMG and Scuderia Ferrari. “I'm very negative about the rules, but I'm very proud of my team and the result we got with our engine. The guys did an incredible job. I just wish I'd enjoyed the driving itself a bit more,” added Verstappen.

Formula 1 driver standings:

1. George Russell – 25 points
2. Kimi Antonelli – 18
3. Charles Leclerc – 15
4. Lewis Hamilton – 12
5. Landon Norris – 10 points
6. Max Verstappen – 8 points
7. Oliver Bearman – 6 points
8. Arvid Lindblad – 4 points
9. Gabriel Bortoleto – 2 points
10. Pierre Gasly – 1 point
11. Esteban Ocon – 0 points
12. Alexander Albon – 0 points
13. Liam Lawson – 0 points
14. Franco Colapinto – 0 points
15. Carlos Sainz – 0 points
16. Sergio Perez – 0 points
17. Isack Hadjar – 0 points
18. Oscar Piastri – 0 points
19. Nico Hulkenberg – 0 points
20. Fernando Alonso – 0 points
21. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points
22. Lance Stroll – 0 points