Verstappen admits considering F1 FUTURE over money priorities
Verstappen admits considering F1 FUTURE over money priorities
Max Verstappen has yet again questioned his Formula 1 future, accusing F1 of making changes that are geared towards making money, leaving himself to question whether competing in the sport is 'still worth it'.
The two-time world champion has been rather outspoken when it comes to the Sprint weekend format. Despite it being a chance to extend his lead at the top of the drivers' championship, the Dutchman simply dislikes the Sprint weekend configurations.
"I never really enjoy these kinds of weekends," Verstappen said at the press conference after the Belgian Grand Prix.
"Because you just don't have the time, and then once you do a mistake, you are stuck with it for the rest of the weekend, and I don't think it should be like that."
Now, whilst speaking to De Telegraaf, the 25-year-old opened up on how he's not opposed to change but would like to keep the sport's integrity.
"I care about the sport that I've always enjoyed, and still enjoy, but to a certain extent," he said to the Dutch news outlet. "It's not that I'm completely against changes, as it's sometimes claimed. But the changes should be improvements for Formula 1.
"Why change certain things when they're working well? I find a traditional qualifying session well-structured in its current form."
READ MORE: Verstappen reveals NEW reason for wanting to quit F1
Verstappen's sentiment resonates with his belief that Formula 1 should not become solely preoccupied with financial gains.
"It shouldn't all be about money," he stated. "Ultimately it's not about that. People might think: he earns a lot of money, so what's he complaining about? But it's about well-being, how you experience things, not how much you earn.
"Sometimes I feel like I have to do too many things, and then not do them. Sometimes I think: is this still worth it?"
READ MORE: Jos Verstappen: His life in F1 and how he drove Max to greatness
Max's motivation
When asked if the growing F1 calendar, which is set to host 24 races next season, is an issue, Verstappen revealed that it's more the marketing side of things that demotivate him as a driver.
"That's not the main issue," he said about the busy calendar. "I'm more concerned with what's done with it. Sometimes a Thursday before a race weekend feels like a long time, although it depends a bit on where we are.
"Aside from the Grand Prix itself, there's also simulator work. However, for example, I spend over a month each year on marketing. At a certain point, you don't feel motivated for it anymore."
Verstappen's current Red Bull contract will see him stay a part of the grid until 2028. At that point, the Dutchman will be 31 years of age. Although F1 has seen multiple drivers continue well into their thirties, the Red Bull star's motivation will certainly remain a key factor in his F1 future.
READ MORE: Verstappen insists other categories can be 'more fun' to race in than F1
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F1 Standings
Drivers
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Australia 2023
- Grand Prix of China 2023
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
- Miami Grand Prix 2023
- Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
- AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
- Grand Prix du Canada 2023
- Grand Prix of Austria 2023
- Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Italy 2023
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
- Grand Prix of Japan 2023
- Qatar Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of the United States 2023
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
- Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
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