F1 and Red Bull worry about Verstappen potentially leaving as regulatory pressures increase.

      Concerns are mounting that Max Verstappen might actually leave Formula 1 if the controversial regulations for 2026 are not revised. Following the Dutch driver's admission at Suzuka that he will contemplate his future in the upcoming "weeks and months," attention has shifted to a well-known provision in his Red Bull contract, which could permit him to exit if he finds himself outside the top three by the summer break. Discussions around the possibility of an F1 without Verstappen are gaining traction in the media. "It’s in everyone's interest to reach a solution," stated La Gazzetta dello Sport. "For economic reasons and in terms of visibility for the sport, Verstappen is essential, and Formula 1 risks losing one of its legendary drivers."

      Verstappen has indicated that changes to the rules could affect his decision-making. "They know what needs to be done," he remarked regarding the FIA and Liberty Media. Even his father, Jos, believes that the governing bodies are attentive. "I’m convinced they truly listen to him," he shared with De Telegraaf. "It’s possible they’ll make some minor adjustments to the regulations this year, but that alone won’t suffice. I hope significant changes will be made for next season, or if needed, the following year."

      At the same time, Jos acknowledged the political intricacies involved in implementing any changes. "It’s also a political game," he stated. "Making changes isn’t always straightforward." He pointed out that Toto Wolff and Mercedes will likely want to maintain the current rules for as long as possible, which is their prerogative, as they stand to gain from the situation.

      Concerns have escalated following Oliver Bearman’s crash at Suzuka, which was connected to substantial speed discrepancies between cars that are harvesting and deploying energy. "Action is required, and I believe they have the means to address it," said former F1 driver Mika Salo to Ilta Sanomat. "In addition to safety, it appears ridiculous when speed differences are so vast." McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella concurs that this issue needs to be promptly addressed. "It should be a priority on the agenda for upcoming FIA meetings during the mandated April break," he noted. "We don’t want to delay action until something serious happens, and now we have an incident. Thankfully, Oliver walked away with only minor injuries, nothing critical. However, we have a duty to implement essential measures, particularly for safety."

      Behind the scenes, even Red Bull seems worried about Verstappen’s state of mind. Well-connected Dutch journalist Erik van Haren disclosed the team's reaction to Verstappen’s comments post-race on Viaplay. "Numerous English journalists reached out to me, and I also had contact from Red Bull," he explained. "Did he really say that?" he recounted, quoting a conversation with a Red Bull contact. Van Haren believes Verstappen’s warning is serious. "I don’t see it as a ploy to apply pressure," he expressed. "While he hopes for changes, I genuinely think he implies that he will withdraw if there’s no movement in the right direction next season or the one after."

      Former driver Christijan Albers believes Formula 1 will ultimately take action to retain its biggest star. "Absolutely, 100 percent," he affirmed. "Big names are always needed. We witnessed that with Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has lost some of his magic, as I feel Leclerc is currently stronger. Therefore, they cannot afford to lose Max. They will do everything possible to keep him."