Max Verstappen clarifies his thoughts on retirement
Max Verstappen has clearly made statements about his future. The Dutchman, not a fan of sprint races, does not intend to end his career because of this new format. But rather if the overall state of Formula 1 continues to displease him.
The reigning double world champion has expressed his feelings about a potential retirement from the world of Formula 1, as he is not completely in line with all the changes made to the sport. While he is not a fan of sprint races, his annoyance lies more in the development of the calendar, which is too packed for his liking:
« If we keep extending the calendar and if the whole weekend is so long, then at some point, you wonder, ‘Is it still worth it?'”
Although he loves to run and win, and his career brings him a lot of money and a beautiful life, Max Verstappen wonders: But is it really a beautiful life?
Ending your contract with Red Bull
Currently, his contract with Red Bull runs until the end of the 2028 season. What about the future? “We’ll see,” he exclaimed. For now, he is still fully motivated and loves his job, but sometimes you reach a point in your career where you might want to do something different.
The Dutchman knows that this statement may seem strange to many people. Because he is currently a Formula 1 driver who is on a roll. Once you’re in it, it’s not always what it looks like or how people think your life is, he explains.
The only thing that is certain about Max Verstappen for the moment is that he wants to fulfill his contract with Red Bull. When his contract expires, Jos’ son will be 31 years old. He still has many years ahead of him in motorsport. If everything goes perfectly and he becomes the world champion every year, then he could become the record holder for the number of world championships with eight titles.
However, it is not a motivation for him to continue: “No, I am not interested in winning seven or eight titles,” he rejects. “If you have the car for it, then great, but if you don’t, then I am still happy. I am already happy, so it’s okay.”
No added value from sprint races
If the FIA comes up with even stranger ideas for him, then the probability of an early farewell increases. A thorn in his side are the sprint races, the first of which is coming up in Baku. Although Max Verstappen understands the commercial reasons behind such measures, he himself is only interested in the race and sees no added value in them.
“I understand that sprint races may be a bit more exciting,” he says, “especially in the first round, but during the race, you quickly get a clear picture of it and know who is the fastest. And then you have a clear idea of what will happen the next day. Although he doesn’t have a great affection for these sprint races, he has still won half of them since their establishment (3 victories in 6 races).”
More inclined towards endurance racing than IndyCar
The Red Bull driver emphasizes that he doesn’t necessarily need Formula 1, even if it gives him a great satisfaction for now. It always depends on what you want in your life, he says. Some people love racing. It’s the only thing they love and the only thing they want to do, stated the Dutchman.
He sees himself more in the middle, as he says: “I mean, I love running, but I would also like to do other types of races.” At the top of his list are endurance races – preferably with his father Jos, who is now 51 years old and will be 56 in 2028.
« I always tell him that time is passing and that he is getting older. But even if it wasn’t with my father… Let’s see. For example, I would also like to have my own team. There are many things I would like to do outside of the cockpit. »
What he excludes, however, is a move to the IndyCar series, which would bring him a possible triple crown with the Indy500. But he is not interested in that. « I like watching the IndyCar series. There are great drivers there that I have raced against myself. That’s why I have a good connection with them and I am happy when they do well,” he says. « But even behind the wheel for the Indy500? Absolutely not. I might go there to watch, but not to drive. »
In the meantime, he and the other 19 drivers will return to the track this weekend in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he emerged victorious last year ahead of his teammate, Sergio Pérez. The weekend will be marked by… a sprint qualifying session on Saturday afternoon.
