Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 as disillusionment with sport and focus grows
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until December 2028, but there is no guarantee he will continue in Formula 1 after that.
Max Verstappen believes that there is much more to life than Formula 1 and quot; – sparking rumors of a shock retirement from the sport.
The 26-year-old won three consecutive world titles to write his name in the history books. The Red Bull driver has dominated this year’s and 039 championships, winning 17 of the 20 races held so far, with Sergio Perez (two) and Carlos Sainz sharing the rest.
Verstappen is hot favorite for next year’s win and the F1 title and is still young enough to become the sport’s most successful driver of all time. Still competing, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher share the world record for most studs with seven. However, Verstappen is not sure how long he will continue in F1. He has a contract with Red Bull until at least December 2028, but insists he is already andquot;very happy andquot; with what the head has achieved and won in F1 and do not hesitate to explore his options when the moment comes.
Verstappen spoke about his future in a wide-ranging interview with TIME magazine. He was asked if he would like to become the most successful driver in F1 history. He replied with a jat quote: Would I like to win seven? Yes, why not? andquot;
But the superstar continued: “Even if I don’t win seven, I know there’s a lot more to life than F1. I’m very happy with what I’ve already achieved… at some point success should only be weighed against the overall quality of life. andquot;
Verstappen also revealed the stress of spending his life on the road. He added: andquot;I feel like I’m living out of a bag all the time, outside the hotel. It’s good now. I love to drive. I love to win. But the older you get, maybe someday it’s not what I want anymore.andquot;
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As Verstappen suggests, the F1 calendar is demanding. This year’s 22-race campaign began in Bahrain in March and concludes in Abu Dhabi later this month. Competitions are organized around the world, for example in Azerbaijan, the USA, Japan and Italy.
Verstappen, who is the son of former driver Jos, began his F1 career at the age of 17 in 2015 with Red Bulland#039’s second team, Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri). He moved up to the Red Bulland main team in 2016 and won his first race and the Austrian GP that year.
Verstappen took a number of wins and podium finishes over the next few years before emerging as a title contender in 2021. That year he won his first world title after a controversial decision by race director Michael Mas at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton was on course to win the race and a record eighth world title before the safety car was delayed. Hamilton decided to pit because he didn’t want to lose his position and waited for the race to end under the safety car.
However, Masi allowed one green flag round. Verstappen fought back and was able to pass Hamilton on the last lap with new tyres. Although Verstappenand#039’s first championship was contested, his victories in 2022 and 2023 were celebrated.
