What would an early Max Verstappen retirement mean for Formula 1?

Max Verstappen looks set to win his fourth World Championship following an all-time great drive in Brazil, but in recent months, it seems the Dutchman is less and less happy with Formula 1 and the FIA.

Verstappen seems headed for another F1 world title, but the Dutchman seems fed up with the FIA's “silly” punishments, leading to speculation of an early F1 retirement.

Verstappen will presumably thrive in whatever endeavor he undertakes next, which poses the question, how much does F1 need Super Max?

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Verstappen has opened the door to an early exit from Formula 1 after comments made following the Singapore Grand Prix, in which the Red Bull driver finished second to McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Verstappen was punished by the FIA after swearing in a Thursday press conference, with the three-time world champion ordered to perform community service, a punishment that was met with derision by Max and his fellow racers, per Autosport.

Verstappen was firm in his condemnation of the punishments, telling reporters, “When you can't be yourself, you have to deal with these kinds of silly things. I'm at a stage of my career where I don't want to be dealing with this all the time. It's really tiring,” following the race.

The Dutchman continued, “Everyone is pushing to the limit, but if you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things: for me, that is not a way of continuing in the sport, that's for sure.”

Super Max is already a three-time world champion and looks set to win another if his Red Bull team can hold off McLaren’s late charge. His comments at the weekend certainly made it seem as though he could be looking for an early exit from the sport, but are the threats real, or is he just frustrated and what he believes is a draconian punishment for a minor indiscretion?

As Autosport points out, Verstappen has been open that he doesn’t see himself committing to F1 for the long term. He has reportedly no desire to catch Lewis Hamilton’s seven world championships nor compete in the F1 “for the sake of it”.

Autoport suggests Verstappen could look to branch out in his motorracing career, perhaps moving into 24-hour endurance racing. He is also the owner of Team Redline, an elite sim-racing team that Max sometimes competes in. He has no shortage of options if he wants to continue racing even if he steps away from F1.

Verstappen has become the face of Formula 1 in recent times, as Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in the last few years have knocked him down the pecking order. He has also found himself involved in multiple title rivalries that greatly enhance the television product that is F1. If Max leaves, it would create a stardom vacuum with no obvious driver ready to fill it.

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Verstappen’s aggressive racing style and uncompromising communication make for many a headline over a Formula 1 season, giving the sport infinitely valuable marketing. Were he to leave, the sport would be lessened, and it will only have itself to blame.