Dylan Bettencourt
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has suggested that he may not return to the sport when his current deal expires in 2027.
Verstappen explained that he hasn’t thought about when his Formula 1 career will end or if he will even sign a new deal when the current one expires, a multi-million-dollar deal with Red Bull.
“I haven’t decided yet what I’ll do after 2028. Maybe I’ll stop. I’ve been in F1 since I was 17 years old. That’s a long time. I’ve had many seasons in F1 already. Maybe I want to do something different,” he said.
Verstappen ruled out taking on a different role in the sport, saying he would remain as a driver or nothing at all.
“You will not see me again as an analyst or in a team role. I don’t have the motivation for that. When I don’t drive anymore, I want to do other fun things,” Verstappen said.
The Dutchman said that he may still race at a competitive level, following the same path as his father, Jos.
“It’s nice to still be competitive at a good age. The problem is that when I participate in anything, I really want to win,” he said.
Verstappen conceded that his future will always be behind the wheel of a racing car.
“I want to do other types of races – long-distance races, for example,” he said.
“Or maybe by then, I’ll be tired of travelling all the time. Maybe I want a simpler life and just do the races I like.”
Verstappen and Red Bull currently lead both the driver and constructor standings after dominating the last four races.
Formula 1 heads to Azerbaijan for the Baku Grand Prix this weekend, a track where Verstappen is yet to win.
Image source: @Archyde
