Max Verstappen turns to endurance racing after his Formula 1 career
The young Dutch driver has just won his second Formula 1 World Championship title, after a crushing domination in 2022. However, he is already looking ahead to the next stage of his career, which he would like to focus on endurance racing.
If it may seem surprising, Max Verstappen has always stated his willingness to not compete for a significant number of seasons in Formula 1. He has been evolving in this field since 2015, and his contract with Red Bull will come to an end in 2028; he is leaving himself the possibility to end his career after this season. He will then be 31 years old, a rather early age for a Formula 1 retirement. However, it is not without reason that the Dutch champion would want to stop racing in the premier category.
« I also want to do other things. I know that my contract runs until 2028. I will be 31 years old by then. I will probably still be competitive for a few years after that. But during those years, I also want to experience other things and simply have a bit more fun with less pressure and a less busy schedule.
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The endurance.
Formula 1 drivers often turn to endurance racing once their career is over (Alonso, Webber, Fisichella…). The idea of participating in the 24 hours of Le Mans alongside Fernando Alonso was brought up by the media outlet De Telegraaf earlier this season. He had stated that he would seize this opportunity if all the conditions are met. He wants to analyze the direction endurance racing is heading in the coming years before making his final decision.
« We need a good opportunity. If Fernando gets involved, he wants to fight for victory in a competitive car, and it’s exactly the same for me.
There are a lot of changes happening in Endurance at the moment. I think it’s better to wait and see exactly what is happening right now and how things will evolve, then make a decision.
