Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has dropped subtle hints about his future in Formula 1, raising speculation about how long he plans to remain in the sport. The Dutchman emphasized the importance of maintaining a long-term relationship with a team where he feels “at home.” He also mentioned that his next move, if it happens, will likely be his final one, fueling further curiosity about what lies ahead for him in motorsports.
Verstappen’s comments come amid increasing rumors of his potential departure from F1. This speculation was heightened by a recent controversy with the FIA, where Verstappen received a one-day community service penalty, a consequence that may have triggered his thoughts about his future in the sport. The three-time F1 world champion indicated that if he is ever put in a position where he cannot “be himself” within the sport, he might consider stepping away from it altogether.
In addition to his Formula 1 career, Verstappen has expressed his ambitions beyond the track, particularly his desire to own a GT racing team in the near future. He has been actively working towards this goal. These aspirations, along with internal changes at Red Bull, including the departures of key team members such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, may have prompted him to reflect more deeply on his future. Despite these considerations, Verstappen remains fully committed to his current role at Red Bull, where he leads the 2024 Drivers’ Standings by 52 points over McLaren’s Lando Norris.
In an interview with Sky Italia, Verstappen reiterated that his future remains undecided. He suggested that his next career step could either be a new venture or a continuation of his existing contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028. Verstappen expressed a pragmatic view, noting that everything remains open for now, and the specifics of his future are not something he’s focusing on at the moment.
When asked about the possibility of leaving Red Bull before his contract expires, Verstappen remained vague, neither confirming nor denying the possibility. He emphasized that his primary focus is on his current responsibilities and improving his performance this year. Anything beyond that, including his future in F1, is not something he is actively thinking about right now.
Verstappen also stressed the importance of stability in his career. Unlike some drivers who switch teams frequently, he prefers building long-term relationships with his team. He remarked that while it may be easy to change teams in pursuit of victory, he doesn’t want his career to be defined by jumping from one team to another. Instead, he values the sense of belonging and stability that comes from working with a team over an extended period. For now, Verstappen is content with his place at Red Bull and is not considering any changes in the immediate future.
