Max Verstappen ensured that he doesn't have much time left in Formula 1: 'I'm definitely near the end'
Verstappen is considering a possible retirement from F1
porEditorial Team
Argentina
The Red Bull driver wants to spend more time with his family and friends, and he linked his possible decision to the category's new technical regulations
Max Verstappen once again cast doubt on his continuity in Formula 1 and acknowledged that the end of his time in the category could be closer than imagined. At 28 years old and with four world titles on his record, the Dutchman stated that the new technical regulations do not motivate him to prolong his career in the top series.
"I'm definitely close to the end", he stated on the podcast Up to Speed. In that vein, he was blunt about the impact of the changes planned for the coming years: "The new regulations are not helping to extend the length of my career in F1, but it doesn't matter".
Although he has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen had already hinted weeks ago that his continuity will depend on how much he enjoys the technical direction that the category will take from 2026 onward. "I'm happy with my career, I can easily leave it behind, I have other projects", he maintained.
Verstappen ganó 4 mundiales de F1
Among those plans is his GT3 team, which this year began an alliance with Mercedes-Benz, in addition to his intention to compete in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and, in the future, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Beyond sports, the Dutchman made it clear that his priority lies in his personal life. "Who cares when you're 60 or 70 years old whether you won four or ten titles? I'm getting older and I prefer to spend time with my family", he reflected. He added: "Last week I was skiing with some good friends and with my family and I realized that it was fantastic. I want to live my life, you only live once and I don't want to spend 25 years driving a car".
"Maybe I sound dramatic, but I don't want to keep living just to race", Verstappen concluded, leaving the door open to an early farewell to Formula 1.
When Franco Colapinto will race again
After preseason testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, the Grand Circus will formally start 2026 with the Australian Grand Prix. The first stop of the year for the Argentine driver will be at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, and it will be from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8.
