Red Bull’s success has been largely attributed to Max Verstappen. It was only he who was able to end the long reign of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. However, there have been whispers about Verstappen’s retirement for the previous few months. The 25-year-old caused a stir by saying that his F1 deal with Red Bull might be his last. This news could prove to shake Christian Horner and Co.

Max Verstappen has raised the question of whether it’s important to continue in the sport after winning a world championship early while continuing to enhance your tally by indicating that he may quit Formula 1. The Dutchman feels he wants to experience more in life, including sim racing. He also aspires to pursue a successful career in endurance racing with the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the near future.

The 25-year-current old’s deal with Red Bull runs out at the end of 2028. And after that, the driver may walk away from the organization. When questioned about his intention to retire from Formula 1 at age 31 in Bahrain, the Dutch lion responded, as per the NextGenAuto, he said, “Yes, I confirm that I am seriously thinking about it. “

Later, Verstappen also stated that he considers himself fortunate to have the opportunity to compete in the highest category of motorsport. However, the growing number of races is too much to handle. He said, ” I know I’m very lucky to drive a Formula 1 car. I can do what I want, but at some point it doesn’t matter. I already have a lot of plans for what I want to do. It’s also about quality of life. There are other things in life besides Formula 1. I have a contract until 2028 and after that I’ll see. I don’t want to spend my best years physically just in Formula 1. With the races multiplying, 23 or 24 a year is far too many.”

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Max Verstappen was at his peak in the previous season as the Dutchman set numerous records. Probably nothing is left for the 25-year-old to achieve in Formula 1 besides the record seven championships shared by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull’s taskmaster, though, thinks that Verstappen won’t go that far to break the record, regardless of what the team offers him.

Helmut Marko claims that Max Verstappen might not stick around for long

Max Verstappen has now won 36 Grand Prix races and is a double champion. The Dutch lion also holds the record for the most race wins in a season (15) and points scored in a year (454). Considering these outstanding performances, the 25-year-old is on his way to breaking numerous records. However, according to Red Bull consultant Marko, the driver might not stick around long enough to accomplish those feats.

As the Austrian said, Verstappen might lose the drive and motivation to dominate, given the achievements he has experienced at such a young age. In an interview with SportsF1, Marko said, “We want to win more titles together. But I doubt if we will see Max drive until he has broken all records. He could make it, but he’s also the type of person who packs his things and leaves when he no longer feels like it. No matter how much you offer him, he won’t stay. And that could happen sooner than we all think.”

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We all are aware of the stubborn persona of Max Verstappen. But given his affection for Red Bull, do you think he will extend his contract after 2028?