As we went into the Azerbaijan GP week, the worst fear of Max Verstappen came true. The FIA once again changed the weekend format. Verstappen had already confessed how he loathes the sprint weekends introduced back in 2021. In fact, after the CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali revealed further changes to sprint weekend, Verstappen threatened to quit the sport. Despite that, the sport went ahead with it and we witnessed a completely new sprint weekend format. This made many wonder if the Red Bull man will follow up on his threat, but all were speculation until Verstappen recently addressed the elephant in the room.

Verstappen did not see the top step of the podium throughout the weekend. However, this was due to the weekend’s format, or any issue caused by the demanding nature of it. In fact, the high octane and high-stake weekend was appreciated by most drivers. Despite that, a Dutch reporter deemed it necessary, as seen on Twitter, to ask Verstappen about retirement threats, for the sake of the fans.

To his question, Verstappen replied, “No, not until the end of my current contract at least.” (Translated via Google)

And added, “No, exactly! I’m always very open and honest about this and I think that’s better than being secretive. That’s fairly useless.” 

Read More: Days After Threatening to Quit F1, Max Verstappen Breaks Silence on “Chaotic” Changes Made by the FIA

A huge sigh of relief for all the fans across the globe! However, if have missed out on the entire drama, let us get you up to speed.

Why did Max Verstappen threaten to leave the sport?

We are all aware of the heights of popularity the sport is currently touching. This popularity is also resulting in a massive demand for the sport and the sport can only provide by adding a venue, right? Adding newer venues and increasing the number of races can be done to a certain limit. This is exactly why the sport revamped the sprint weekend format to bring more excitement to the fans.

This is what irked Verstappen, who believed the traditional race weekends are exciting enough. So when the changes were suggested, Verstappen made a concerning statement.

“I’m happy with just the main race. I think that’s way better for the excitement. Naturally, of course, I hope that there won’t be too many changes, otherwise, I won’t be around for too long,” he told media.

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Rest assured, this scenario won’t come to pass anytime soon, at least until 2028. However, let’s hope the governing body of the sport does not meddle with the format often or enough to irk the Dutchman again.