“I NO LONGER SUPPORT F1!” Jos Verstappen shocks the world with his departure from Formula 1.

In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through the paddock and beyond, Jos Verstappen, the father and long-time mentor of Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen, has publicly declared his complete withdrawal of support for the sport he once championed. The man who guided his son from karting prodigy to four-time world champion now claims that the pinnacle of motorsport has lost its soul, overshadowed by the raw excitement of GT3 racing. His words, delivered with characteristic bluntness, have left the F1 community reeling in disbelief.

“I no longer support F1,” Jos Verstappen stated unequivocally in an explosive interview. What was once the ultimate expression of speed, skill, and engineering brilliance has, in his view, devolved into something unrecognizable. The father of the sport’s dominant force didn’t mince his words: the 2026 regulations have stripped Formula 1 of its identity, turning it into a spectacle that pales in comparison to the wheel-to-wheel battles seen in GT3 categories.

For a figure as influential as Jos, whose passion for racing runs deep through generations of the Verstappen family, this departure marks a seismic shift not just in personal allegiance but in the broader narrative surrounding the sport’s future.

Jos Verstappen’s connection to Formula 1 spans decades. A former F1 driver himself, he competed in the 1990s with teams like Benetton and Tyrrell, experiencing the raw power and danger of the era firsthand. After retiring, he poured his expertise into nurturing Max, transforming the young Dutchman into a relentless competitor who has redefined modern F1 dominance. Jos has been a constant presence in the garage, offering unfiltered advice and fierce protection. His vocal support has often extended to public critiques of stewards, rivals, and governing bodies. Yet never before has he gone as far as disavowing the sport entirely.

The catalyst, according to Jos, lies in the controversial 2026 technical regulations. Designed to make the cars more sustainable with smaller power units, active aerodynamics, and closer racing, these changes have instead drawn widespread condemnation from drivers and insiders alike. Max Verstappen himself has lambasted the new cars as “Formula E on steroids” and “anti-racing,” hinting at potential retirement if the direction doesn’t improve. Jos echoes and amplifies these concerns, pointing out the irony that GT3 machines—once seen as a stepping stone—are now delivering superior entertainment.

“It’s madness to say that GT3 is a better race than Formula 1. It used to be the other way round,” Jos remarked. He highlighted how GT3 drivers once dreamed of F1 seats, but now the hierarchy feels inverted. The new F1 cars, burdened by heavy reliance on electronic systems and reduced driver input, have diminished the human element that made the sport legendary. Jos admitted to frequently switching off his television mid-race, a confession that underscores his profound disillusionment. “As a driver, I find it less enjoyable too.

Every now and then I’m watching and I switch the TV off because I’m less interested. It’s not the Formula 1 that Formula 1 stands for. The driver has to rely heavily on the car and can no longer make a difference as a driver. I think that’s a shame.”

This stance comes at a pivotal moment for F1. The sport is navigating a delicate balance between electrification, cost caps, and spectacle under Liberty Media’s stewardship. While attendance records and global viewership soar thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive and star power, purists like the Verstappens argue that the essence is eroding. Jos’s comments tap into growing frustrations: shorter sprint formats, artificial DRS dependency, and cars that prioritize energy management over outright speed. GT3 racing, with its production-based machinery, multi-class endurance events, and unpredictable overtakes at circuits like the Nürburgring, offers a refreshing contrast.

Max’s recent forays into GT3 competition, including preparations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, only fuel speculation that the family is eyeing alternatives.

The reaction across the F1 world has been one of stunned silence followed by frantic analysis. Team principals, while declining official comment, are privately concerned about the ripple effects on morale and sponsorship. Red Bull, Max’s powerhouse employer, faces pressure as the driver’s future remains uncertain despite his contract through 2028. Rumors of a potential exit or sabbatical have intensified, with Mercedes and Ferrari rumored to be monitoring developments closely. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have emphasized ongoing dialogue to refine regulations, but Jos’s bombshell suggests patience is wearing thin in the Verstappen camp.

Fans are divided. Social media erupted with memes, support, and outrage. Die-hard enthusiasts defend the new era as necessary evolution toward sustainability, citing reduced emissions and closer competition. Others lament the loss of “proper” racing, agreeing that F1 risks alienating its core audience. Pundits draw parallels to past crises, like the turbo-hybrid transition in 2014, which initially faced backlash before producing thrilling title fights. Yet Jos’s departure feels more personal and final—a patriarch stepping away from the family business.

Beyond the immediate drama, this episode raises deeper questions about F1’s identity. What defines the pinnacle of motorsport in 2026? Is it technological innovation and global appeal, or driver heroism and visceral speed? Jos Verstappen’s critique highlights a tension between progress and tradition. His son Max, at the height of his powers, now carries not only the weight of championships but also the burden of a sport in flux. Will he follow his father’s lead and explore endurance racing, or fight to restore F1’s glory from within?

As the European leg of the season looms, all eyes remain fixed on the Verstappen duo. Jos’s announcement may be his most influential yet—not as a call to arms, but a cry of heartbreak from a man who lived and breathed Formula 1. The sport that captivated millions now finds itself at a crossroads, forced to confront whether it can reclaim the identity that once made legends. For now, the paddock stands speechless, astonished by the void left in the wake of one of its most passionate voices stepping back.

The roar of engines continues, but for Jos Verstappen, the thrill has faded, replaced by the siren call of GT3’s unfiltered chaos.

In the high-stakes arena of Formula 1, where fortunes shift with every lap, Jos’s departure serves as a stark reminder: even the most loyal can reach their limit when the heart of the sport no longer beats the same. The world waits to see if this is the beginning of a larger exodus or a catalyst for much-needed change.