Martin Brundle explains Max Verstappen retirement theory as F1 star considers quitting The Sky Sports pundit has reacted to comments made in the wake of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix Don't Miss Most Read Latest Martin Brundle remains unconvinced that Max Verstappen will abandon Formula 1, provided the four-time world champion secures machinery capable of satisfying his competitive demands. The Sky Sports pundit shared his perspective on The F1 Show podcast following Verstappen's remarks at Suzuka, where the Dutchman revealed he was giving serious thought to his long-term involvement in the sport. "Do I think he'd just walk away from F1? No, I don't, providing he can get a car that pleases him," Brundle stated. The 28-year-old's comments came after the Japanese Grand Prix, the third round of the current campaign, as he expressed deep dissatisfaction with the new-generation cars introduced this season. The 2026 regulations represent the most significant overhaul in the sport's history, introducing new power units and chassis designed to improve sustainability through increased reliance on electrical energy. Driver opinion on the revised machinery has been divided, with Verstappen emerging as the most outspoken detractor of the changes. The Dutchman maintains his concerns centre on the cars prioritising energy management over traditional racing skill and raw pace. Martin Brundle remains unconvinced that Max Verstappen will abandon Formula 1, provided the four-time world champion secures machinery capable of satisfying his competitive demands |GETTY In contrast, Lewis Hamilton has offered a more favourable assessment, with the seven-time world champion praising the more thrilling wheel-to-wheel action the new regulations have generated. Brundle acknowledged the magnitude of potentially losing Verstappen from the grid. "I would hugely miss his talent," he said. "His generational speed and car control is something that very few people in the history of motorsport have had. It's quite