The physically and mentally grueling sport of Formula 1 pushes the best to the limit. Some are able to sustain these pressures, while others succumb to them and bow out early. However, most F1 world champions have long-lasting careers as they keep chasing the high of the ultimate goal over and over. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, both with seven championships, are prime examples of that. In recent history, the closest driver who can achieve their levels is Max Verstappen. However, Verstappen’s attitude toward the sport, despite his dominance, will make him fall short of the target.

The Dutchman, on multiple occasions now, has talked about leaving the sport for other experiences in life. In fact, he has made it apparent that he wants to stop racing in the premier class after his current Red Bull contract expires in 2028. Keeping that in mind, Spanish news outlet Marca has claimed Verstappen will never break Hamilton and Schumacher’s record.

“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,” Verstappen told ‘Sports Illustrated’, as quoted by Marca. “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.”

So keeping this in mind, Verstappen will have to win a championship every year till his contract expires to break the record. It will be an incredible feat if he does but in the world of F1, it’s a highly unlikely scenario.

Read More: 4 Months After Max Verstappen’s Retirement Threat, F1 Attempts to Entice Red Bull Champ With a Special Treat

We are all sure Verstappen will keep racing even if it’s not with the traveling circus. This is yet another difference between Verstappen and Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s post-retirement plans showcase the difference between the two

Both of these ardent rivals have a lot of similarities but are also polar opposites in many aspects. The two are both young prodigies with championship-winning pedigree. However, somewhere along the way, Verstappen’s dedication toward F1 changed. Perhaps it was the fact he joined the boiling pot of F1 at 16 and he does not want to spend his life in this pressure cooker.

Regardless of speculating and looking at facts, we have plenty of proof to showcase that Verstappen will be a part of endurance racing. His investment in the GP3 team is aligned with his future plans. Hamilton, on the other hand, will definitely be away from racing as soon as he hangs up his helmet.

The host of the On Track GP podcast said, “Is [forming a GP3 team] a hint that Max Verstappen is still going to want to be involved in racing [post-retirement]? You see some drivers, as soon as they’re done racing, they’re gone. Maybe Hamilton might be like that.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race

We can’t help but agree with Armani. Verstappen’s comments and his dedication to sim racing prove the same! It will be interesting to see what path Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton chose once they retire.