The FIA president is convinced Max Verstappen is going nowhere.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed that Formula 1 would feel the absence of Max Verstappen if he were to exit the sport, but he firmly believes that the four-time champion is not considering leaving. Verstappen has indicated that he might retire at the end of the season due to his dissatisfaction with the current sport regulations and power distribution between combustion and electric energy. Ben Sulayem emphasized that no driver is greater than the sport itself, acknowledging that while Verstappen’s departure would be noticed, he doesn’t see it as a likely scenario. Ben Sulayem mentioned that Formula 1 has withstood changes in leadership, teams, promoters, and drivers over time. Despite Verstappen’s recent criticisms, Ben Sulayem shared a positive encounter with him and emphasized the transient nature of success and challenges in Formula 1. The FIA president highlighted his admiration for Verstappen’s driving style and mental strength, raising questions about the genuineness of Verstappen’s expressed intentions to leave the sport.
