For Max Verstappen, the question is no longer about dominatnig Formula 1 — but how much longer he wants to be part of it.

The four-time world champion said he is weighing his future in the series and admitted he is no longer enjoying the sport, raising the possibility of an early exit as soon as the end of 2026.

Speaking to the BBC after a disappointing weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen said he has been reflecting on whether it is worth continuing in F1.

“That’s what I’m saying,” Verstappen said when asked if he could walk away before his Red Bull Racing contract expires. “I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.

“Privately I’m very happy. But you look at a season with 22 races — normally 24 — and you start to think, is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family and seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”

The comments follow a report from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf suggesting “crucial weeks ahead” for Verstappen, pointing to a break in the schedule after cancellations in the Middle East.

Verstappen endured another difficult outing in Japan, exiting in the second round of qualifying and finishing eighth in the race.

Despite the result, the 28-year-old said his frustration is not tied to performance but to current regulations, which he has repeatedly criticized this season.

“I can accept being in P7 or P8,” Verstappen said. “I know you can’t always be dominating or fighting for a podium. I’ve been there before.

“But when you’re there and not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver. It’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. At one point, it’s just not what I want to do.”

Verstappen added that financial incentives are no longer a motivating factor.

“You can make a lot of money, great. But at the end of the day it’s not about money anymore because this has always been my passion.”

The Dutch driver has previously indicated he would have no issue stepping away once the enjoyment fades. After qualifying in Japan, he described himself as “beyond frustrated” and said he needed to “figure some stuff out” during the upcoming break.

Verstappen, who turns 29 in September, sits third on F1’s all-time wins list with 71 victories, behind only Lewis Hamilton (105) and Michael Schumacher (91).

He is also set to expand his racing interests beyond F1, including a planned appearance at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and a long-term goal of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“As a kid this is what I wanted to do,” Verstappen said. “I want to be here to have fun and enjoy myself. At the moment, that’s not really the case.

“I enjoy working with my team — it’s like a second family. But once I sit in the car, it’s not the most enjoyable, unfortunately.

“It’s a bit sad that we’re even talking about this, but it is what it is. You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I’ll be fine.”