Damon Hill has said Max Verstappen may need a break from Formula 1 after the Red Bull driver said he is considering quitting at the end of 2026.
Verstappen made the comments after the Japanese Grand Prix, which the source described as the latest disappointment at the start of his 2026 season. He said he is considering leaving at the end of the year because of his dislike of the new regulations and cars.
A departure at that point would come two years before the end of his Red Bull contract. Verstappen had previously said he would weigh up his future in 2028 rather than earlier.
Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 world champion, said on the BBC: "I think if you're not happy doing something, you should stop and do something else. You're not obliged to do it.
"Max doesn't have to do this. He's a new dad as well, and he's been doing it for a long time. There does come a point where the chewing gum loses its flavour a bit. Maybe he needs a break."
The Dutchman has said he has held talks with the FIA about potential changes. He implied on Sunday that changes would help him remain in Formula 1.
"They know what to do," Verstappen said.
Hill also said: "If he's saying this in order to get some leverage on the way things are at the moment, I don't think that will work.
"I think that approach ... people will just say 'Max, go away, come back when you've had a think about it.'
"You can't always get what you want."
Formula 1 now has a five-week break between races following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. The next event is in Miami on May 1-3.
