Ex-F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen issues pointed message amid Max Verstappen motivation concern

Heinz-Harald Frentzen appeared to aim a warning at Max Verstappen after the Dutchman's father raised concerns over his motivation

Former Formula 1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen has shared a pointed message on social media, seemingly aimed at four-time champion Max Verstappen.

"If you lose your motivation in F1, it's better to quit, or at least take a break. That's what I did. The sport is too dangerous if you lose your focus," the ex-Sauber driver posted.

While it is not stated who the message is aimed at, Verstappen has been candid about the new F1 regulations. "I'm not even frustrated anymore. I'm beyond that. Yeah, I don't know what to make of it," the Dutchman said after qualifying 11th for the Japanese Grand Prix.

"There's probably no word. There's no word. I don't get upset about it, I don't get disappointed or frustrated by it anymore with what's going on."

On whether he could see light at the end of the tunnel, he added: "I mean, for sure we'll fix a few things, hopefully in the coming weeks, months. Yeah, the rest, how I think about a lot of stuff, I don't need to mention it again, a lot of stuff also for me personally to figure out."

"Life, life," he said when asked to clarify what he needs to figure out personally.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Verstappen's father Jos told De Telegraaf ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that he was concerned the Red Bull driver might lose motivation.

"You hear people say it’s just a matter of getting used to it, but I’m sure Max won’t enjoy it like this," Verstappen Sr said.

"Of course, he always tries to make the best of it — that’s separate. Together with Red Bull, he’s doing everything to become more competitive. But racing these cars doesn’t challenge him. Honestly, I’m afraid Max will lose his motivation.

"Driving a Formula 1 car used to be the best thing in the world for him. But right now, I see it quite pessimistically. I wish it weren’t the case, but looking at his future, I do see this becoming a problem."