Max Verstappen Now Treats F1 Like a ‘Day Job’ To Fund His True Racing Passion
· Yahoo Sports
Max Verstappen is arguably the most naturally gifted driver on the Formula 1 grid, but let’s be honest, he is bored by the 2026 regulations. The extreme battery management and relentless lift-and-coast driving style required by the new hybrid systems have completely drained his enthusiasm. According to a prominent paddock insider, the World Champion is so disconnected from the current state of F1 that he views the pinnacle of motorsport as a mere 9-to-5 gig.
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During a recent broadcast segment (via Sky Sports F1), the commentary team unpacked Verstappen’s growing apathy toward the 2026 rulebook. Indy NXT race winner and F1 analyst Jamie Chadwick dropped a massive reality check regarding how the Dutchman currently views his seat at Red Bull Racing.
“I mean, you look at this as maybe it’s a day job, and it’s a day job that allows him to do everything else,” Chadwick explained. “And everything else can be, for example, the Nürburgring 24 Hours; you never know what could be in the future.”
Chadwick noted that while it is “crazy to think about” an F1 World Champion viewing his role as just a job to pay the bills, he remains “one of the best at it.”
The Nürburgring Escape for Verstappen
Chadwick’s comments perfectly align with Verstappen’s recent extracurricular activities. While the 2026 F1 cars are heavily restricted by a controversial 50/50 electrical power split, GT3 endurance racing offers the raw, visceral thrill that Verstappen craves.
He recently competed in the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours, and Martin Brundle, who also has extensive experience at the infamous circuit, noted the stark contrast between the two disciplines. Brundle highlighted the immense physical toll, the heavy grip, and the ever-present danger of the 130-corner track, pointing out that “you can’t do it in F1 cars anymore.”
Max Verstappen seen during the 24H Nürburgring in Nürburg, Germany on May 14, 2026 // Philip Platzer / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202605150199 // Usage for editorial use only //Unsurprisingly, Brundle noted that Verstappen was “blisteringly fast” in his GT3 machinery. When Verstappen is allowed to push a car to its absolute mechanical limits without worrying about a battery recharge display, his true passion for motorsport instantly returns.
The 60/40 Lifeline and Red Bull’s Revival?
Formula 1 executives know they are on the verge of losing their biggest star to the world of endurance racing. However, a massive regulatory tweak might be the only thing keeping Verstappen from triggering his exit clauses.
Simon Lazenby revealed that the FIA is actively looking at adjusting the hated 50/50 power split for the 2027 season. “We hear there’s going to be tweaks by the way,” Lazenby stated. “It’s going to move more in terms of the combustion engine next year, 60/40 as opposed to… 50/50.” Lazenby explicitly noted that this specific rule change “could be a dictating factor to keep Max staying in Formula One.”
Beyond the rulebook, Red Bull is finally giving Verstappen a reason to care again. After a brutal start to the 2026 campaign, the brand-new Red Bull Powertrains division showed a massive surge in form during the recent Miami Grand Prix sprint weekend.
“What a turnaround now by Red Bull Powertrains,” Lazenby remarked, acknowledging their sudden ability to challenge at the front. Brundle echoed the praise, stating that the engine department has done “incredibly well from a standing start,” and boldly predicted that Verstappen will still win races this year in the RB22.
If Red Bull can continue to unlock raw pace, and the FIA actually delivers a combustion-heavy 60/40 engine tweak next season, Verstappen might finally start enjoying Formula 1 again. But until then, he is just clocking in to fund his real weekend racing adventures.