The four-time world champion has been a vocal critic of the sport's new regulations and suggested that he could quit at the end of the season after finishing a disappointing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday (29.03.26).
Asked if he was going to "walk away from F1 at the end of the year", Verstappen told BBC Sport: "That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock.
"Privately I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"
Verstappen has endured a tough start to the season but insists that his discontent is related more to the new regulations than his Red Bull team's lack of competitiveness.
The Dutch driver said: "I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can't be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I'm very realistic in that and I've been there before. I've not only been winning in F1.
"But at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn't feel natural to a racing driver.
"Of course I try to adapt to it, but it's not nice the way you have to race. It's really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it's just not what I want to do.
"And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it's not about money any more because this has always been my passion."
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies played down Verstappen's comments and suggested that the racer will be much "happier" if he is provided with competitive machinery.
He said: "We are having zero discussions about those aspects. We have a lot of work to do, but I'm sure by the time we give him a fast car, he will be a much happier Max.
"And by the time we give him a car that he can push and make the difference with, he will also be a happier Max. So, honestly, that's 100 per cent of our discussions right now, is that.
"And as per the regs, as you know, they are coming with some good aspects and more tricky aspects. And as a sport, with the other teams, we will meet in the break to see how we can tweak them to make things better."
