– Should Max Verstappen take a break from Formula 1? At least that’s what former Formula 1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen advises, who has noticed the frustrated performances of the four-time world champion in recent weeks.
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That Verstappen is not a fan of the current Formula 1 era is probably something every Formula 1 fan has noticed: even before the season, the Dutchman complained about the new racing and especially about the energy management, which no longer allows driving at the limit, and made no secret every weekend of how much he dislikes the current cars.
Added to this is the lack of competitiveness of his Red Bull team, which means he can no longer even fight for podium places. “I’m not even frustrated anymore,” he said in Japan. “I’m beyond that. I don’t even know what to call it anymore. Maybe resignation.”
Frentzen: “The sport is too dangerous”
For Frentzen, Verstappen has reached a point where it might be better to take a step back: “If you lose motivation in Formula 1, it’s better to quit – or at least take a break,” writes the former vice world champion on X.
The German speaks from personal experience: “That’s exactly what I did. The sport is too dangerous if you lose focus.”
After a forced, short break following the bankruptcy of the Arrows team during the 2002 season, Frentzen made a comeback at Sauber, which lasted only one year before he finally left Formula 1 – at the age of 36.
He knew beforehand that he would only stay at Sauber for one year, but theoretically, he could have still raced in Formula 1 in 2004 because Eddie Jordan had made him an offer.
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But Frentzen admitted at the time in motorwelt: “With a midfield team, I would consider doing another year in Formula 1.” But: “Somewhere, I’ve experienced pretty much everything in the last ten years. I’ve driven in a top team and won races. It’s already difficult to motivate yourself again for a team where you fight for the back positions.”
“I don’t know if I still need that,” Frentzen continued.
In the end, he decided against it and eventually moved to Opel in the DTM.
Hill agrees: “Wise words”
For his comment on Verstappen, the German also receives approval from his former teammate Damon Hill, who wrote “wise words” under Frentzen’s post.
Hill also struggled with motivation problems at the end of his career and even considered ending the 1999 season early at Jordan alongside Frentzen. However, the Brit was convinced by Jordan to at least race his home Grand Prix in Silverstone, but had already announced his retirement after the race in advance.
After a strong fifth place, Hill changed his mind and finished the season. Incidentally, Jordan had already tested a replacement driver for the former world champion at the time: none other than Max Verstappen’s father Jos.
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Hill voluntarily ended his last Grand Prix in Japan at the box, due to mental exhaustion, as he admitted.
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