Verstappen on the busy pace of the paddock: “At some point, you no longer feel like doing this.”

This week, Formula 1 resumes its activities on the lands of its current king. As the traditional summer break comes to an end, Max Verstappen once again expressed his concerns about the constant changes in F1 and the lifestyle of a driver in an interview for his national newspaper, De Telegraaf. « I care about the sport that I have always loved. And I still love it, but up to a certain point », confides the reigning double world champion, who, contrary to what is sometimes claimed «, is not completely opposed to changes ». « But these changes must be changes that benefit Formula 1. […] It shouldn’t only be a matter of money. »

« Sometimes I tell myself that I have to do too many things »

Always very critical of the increasingly busy schedule, for the Dutch, money is not the most important thing. « People might think: he earns a lot of money, why is this guy complaining? But it’s about well-being, about how you experience things, not about how much you earn. », the driver asserts. « Sometimes I think I have to do too many things. Then I sometimes wonder if it’s still worth it. ».

Media requests, travel, training, this overload, Verstappen explains it not only by the increasing number of races, but rather by the off-field aspects of the sport. « For me, [the problem] is more about what I have to do additionally. The Thursday before a race weekend is sometimes already long enough. Besides the Grand Prix, there is also work in the simulator. But I spend more than a month a year on marketing, for example. At some point, you don’t feel like doing that anymore. »

A familiar sound already heard from the side of those who are immersed in the automotive world, the driver has been sought after since a young age. Moreover, with his current contract running until 2028, Max Verstappen has hinted in the past that he could retire at the end of it.