Max Verstappen insider worried about Red Bull star: 'I've never seen him like this'

Max Verstappen’s disappointing season start has visibly affected the four-time world champion to new lows according to a Dutch F1 insider.

Whereas the Red Bull Racing driver was once known for his outspoken criticism, his eighth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix appears to have left him more resigned. Now Erik van Haren warns that this change in demeanour could spell trouble for the Dutch ace’s future in the sport.

Red Bull, partnering with Ford this season, have encountered early struggles. After just three races, Verstappen is still waiting for a podium finish in the 2026 championship, sitting down in ninth with just 12 points.

In his review of the Suzuka race, Van Haren noted a dramatic shift in the champion’s attitude. “He admitted a few times that he’s moved past his initial frustration—it’s almost as if he’s accepted the situation,” said the De Telegraaf journalist.

Van Haren described this as a worrying sign for an athlete of his stature. “It’s one of the worst states you can see in a top competitor, both on and off the track. I’ve hardly ever seen him like this,” he explained.

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Why is Verstappen angry?

Verstappen’s frustrations go beyond just the car’s performance. His discontent largely centres on the new technical regulations, which now require an equal balance between combustion power and electric energy.

Verstappen recently dubbed these rules “anti-racing” because of their extreme focus on energy management.

His father, Jos Verstappen, has also expressed concerns that the current changes in the sport might be sapping his son’s drive.

Over the Japanese weekend, Max admitted he is seriously reassessing his future in Formula 1. “I have a lot to figure out in the coming months,” he remarked—a sentiment Van Haren stated he had never heard before.

Verstappen no longer enjoys F1

The current generation of cars seems to be stripping away the enjoyment of race weekends for Verstappen. Van Haren observes that the reigning world champion now finds little satisfaction in his work on the track.

“He’s clearly upset—not just with the car, but also with the regulations and how racing feels in today’s Formula 1. He’s lost the joy that once defined his approach,” Van Haren explained.

The reporter added that Verstappen appears to be simply counting down the days until he can fly home. Should he decide to remain in Formula 1 but seek a different atmosphere than what Red Bull currently offers, he may well explore options with another team in the coming months.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen hits out at 'anti-driving' F1 in quit threat

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