• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• F1
• Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen makes three-word statement after explosive comments cast doubt on F1 future

Max Verstappen has been a ball of anger and frustration in Japan, but the Red Bull ace looks to have cleared some of his fury in Suzuka

[Max Verstappen speaking to the media]

F1 star Max Verstappen has not been having a good time in Japan(Image: YouTube/The Race)

Red Bull star Max Verstappen has declared "we keep pushing" shortly after his furious outburst in Suzuka. The Flying Dutchman suffered a disastrous Q2 at the Japanese GP, which resulted in his elimination during the second phase of qualifying.

The four-time F1 World Drivers Champion secured 11th place at Suzuka and proceeded to slam his car as being "undriveable". His team-mate Isack Hadjar encountered no such difficulties, advancing to Q3 with an eighth-place finish.

Verstappen didn't restrain his feelings when conducting his media obligations, criticising his car's condition and even seeming to hint he's considering his future with the Milton Keynes team. Nevertheless, his recent social media activity appears to have dampened the latter speculation, as he made it evident he's determined to reverse his fortunes.

[Max Verstappen speaking]

Max Verstappen has endured a disappointing start to the 2026 F1 campaign(Image: Getty)

JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

He shared an image of himself strolling down a lengthy corridor with the message "We keep pushing" indicating he's unwilling to dwell on his catastrophic Q2 performance. He arrived in Japan having secured pole position at Suzuka for the previous four consecutive races.

Verstappen's disappointment and exasperation was evident when he fulfilled his interview obligations. He said: "I mean, I'm not even frustrated anymore. I'm beyond that, so that's a bit - I don't know the right word in English for it.

[Max Verstappen with his left hand covering his left eye as he tilts his head while seated]

Red Bull ace Max Verstappen suggested he is considering his F1 future(Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)

"I don't know what to make of it, to be honest. I don't get upset about it, I don't get disappointed or frustrated by it anymore with what's going on."

Red Bull have implemented some substantial modifications to his car ahead of the Japanese GP, altering the sidepods, floor and engine cover, yet Verstappen struggled through the medium to high-speed corners.

Speaking about his car specifically, he told Sky Sports F1: "The car never turns mid corner, but at the same time this weekend, it's just oversteering a lot on entry. It's really difficult, unpredictable.

Formula One 2026: The Ultimate Season Preview New Rules, New Rivals, New Champion

"We thought we'd fixed it a little bit in FP3. I mean there was still a lot of understeer in the car, but now in qualifying for me it was again undriveable, so that's something that we need to look at.

"Also, I'm driving with a different aero package this weekend, but it seems like that's not working, so that's not also very good.

"We have problems that I cannot explain in detail here, that we are know there, sometimes a bit worse than other times, and I think in qualifying it just came back to a point where it became undriveable."

Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

[Content Image]

51

35

Sky

Get the deal here

Product Description

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves 384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.