'I'm thinking about everything': Verstappen weighing up future after Japan disappointment

[p]Speaking to [i]BBC ‌Radio 5 Live[/i], the Red Bull driver said his lack of enjoyment at driving the ‌new generation of cars was making him question whether racing in ‌the sport was still worth it.[/p][p][b]"I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock,"[/b] he ‌said in the interview.[/p][p][b]"Privately, I'm very happy.[/b][/p][p][b]"You also wait for 24 ‌races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about, is it worth it?"[/b][/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/verstappen-max/UV3mgeXB/"]Verstappen[/a] has been an outspoken critic of Formula 1's new ‌regulations and engine era.[/p][embed guid="e7463fa4-4915-4d41-a49d-10573e131dff" url="https://x.com/redbullracing/status/2038179365444297009" social-type="twitter" /][p]He has repeatedly said his ⁠dissatisfaction doesn’t stem from Red Bull’s ‌poor form but from the new rules placing more of an emphasis ​on energy management than flat-out racing.[/p][p]Sunday was the last race until May, with April's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds called off ​due to conflict in the Gulf.[/p][p]Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, said he had plenty of pursuits beyond ⁠Formula 1 to keep ​him engaged.[/p][p]The Dutchman recently competed in a sports car race at the German track Nurburgring’s fearsome Nordschleife layout in preparation for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race in May.[/p][p]He also drove a Japanese GT car at Japan’s Fuji ‌racetrack ahead of the weekend in Suzuka.[/p][p][b]"But it's a bit sad, to be honest, that we're even talking about this. It is what it is. You don't need to feel sorry for me. I'll be fine,"[/b] he said.[/p][embed guid="89d756ce-fdd1-4d41-88db-d6a63a2a2dce" url="https://x.com/redbullracing/status/2038144946759405862" social-type="twitter" /][p]Verstappen had won the last four races from pole in Japan, but it would have taken a major upset for that streak to continue in 2026, with sixth in the Australian season-opener in Melbourne still his best result of the campaign.[/p][p]The 28-year-old has also made headlines ‌for a clash with a British reporter, an incident that also raised ​questions about his general state of mind after losing his title ‌last season to McLaren's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/norris-lando/WSVABbVF/"]Lando Norris[/a].[/p][p]Formula 1 stakeholders are set to meet in the five-week break between Japan and the next race in Miami to take stock of the new rules and consider tweaks.[/p][p][b]Verstappen, one of the sport’s biggest stars, told BBC Radio 5 ⁠Live that the sport’s bosses "know what ⁠to do" to make sure ‌he stays.[/b][/p]