“I Won’t Be Around”: Max Verstappen Threatens to Retire From F1 After Stefano Domenicali’s Astonishing Comments

After having made his stance clear throughout the season and several races, Max Verstappen made a clear and threatening comment over the authorities, changing a lot of things in the sport. The comment can be speculated as a reaction to F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali’s remarks about eliminating one of the prime aspects of the sport. 

Max Verstappen, after already hinting at an early retirement in 2028, has threatened to retire even earlier. The F1 world continues his dominance on the track and he’s now finding himself becoming an important representative of the sport. He recently voiced his opinions loud and clear for the authorities to listen. So what could be behind this sudden talk of retirement?

Verstappen had earlier warned the authorities not to hamper the DNA of F1. Further, the statement where Stefano, who earlier spoke on eliminating the free practice, was quoted by RaceFans as saying, “We could have already today more than 30, even 32 grands prix, because everyone wants one,” could have been taken differently by the Dutchman.

Speaking with the media today, Verstappen made himself heard again. He threatened to leave the sport in case they brought in a lot of changes. In a video, the reigning champion said, “I’m happy with just the main race. I think that’s way better for the excitement. Naturally, of course, I hope that there won’t be too many changes, otherwise, I won’t be around for too long.”

READ MORE: “Everyone’s a Ricciardo Fan”: Mercedes Admin’s Perfect Tribute to Daniel Sets the Tone for Australian GP Sending F1 World Into a Frenzy

The F1 team should take Max Verstappen’s advice as words of caution. The comment and concern of Max Verstappen over the ongoing talks do raise questions about the stakes for the drivers. With his recent comments, F1’s CEO has come under fire for paying no heed to drivers as he plans to make bigger changes than anyone expected.

Max Verstappen registers his protests against changes

The F1 calendar this year has 23 races after cutting down the Chinese GP, which would have made it 24. And while Stefano Domenicali expressed satisfaction over the number, the statement itself has been alarming for many. Many drivers, including Max in the past, have registered their protests against the duration of the season.

Max, calling out the recent changes already implemented, and those planned, said, “I don’t think [Domenicali] meant exactly that [removing free practice sessions] because obviously, you can’t go to qualifying without free practice. But I’m not a fan of weekends with sprints. I’m not a fan of the number of races we do nowadays.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton

F1 must proceed with caution in making its decision. With Max Verstappen calling out the speculations, they must consider the driver’s feedback seriously before altering the regulations that fans have adored for the longest of times.