Setting Retirement Speculations Aside, Max Verstappen Delivers Verdict on Next F1 Destination

Max Verstappen‘s domination over the entire grid in 2023 was solidified by Sergio Perez’s collision at the Qatar GP sprint race. He started as F1’s youngest driver and has come a long way since 2015. Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated the F1 grid brutally in the past 2 years. However, Verstappen has intimated that he may leave Formula 1 when his contract expires. He has also expressed interest in other forms of racing. The Dutch Lion claims that having a car capable of victory fuels his passion to stay in the pinnacle of motorsport.

His adaptability and sheer pace, along with Adrian Newey’s genius, make for a formidable match. Even Red Bull Boss Christian Horner would like to keep going for as long as possible. Will Verstappen, on the other hand, choose to stay in Formula 1 long enough to become a seven-time World Champion, like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher?

‘I feel at home’ – Max Verstappen sides with Milton Keynes

There has been widespread speculation about the Dutch Lion’s plans for the future and talks of Verstappen leaving the sport to pursue other endeavors. However, the number 1 driver of Red Bull is content with his current team. In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Verstappen shared, “It would be a beautiful story if I could drive here forever, that’s for sure, something that will be amazing”. He added, “I’m really happy with where I am. I feel at home, I feel really happy with the people who are very close to me here in the team.‘

Verstappen seems to be in no hurry to leave the constructor with 6 constructors championships. His relationship with the team goes back to his entire life, owing to his father’s connections in Formula 1. Speaking of leaving, Verstappen shared his feeling, “For me, this is not something that I need to seek. I have a few more years left on my contract anyway, so I’m just enjoying the moment.”

With each title that Verstappen wins, his finesse only increases. The Dutchman has been on the rise since his first title victory under controversial conditions in 2021. By 2023, he achieved complete domination, beating his teammate and everyone else by double the points. But how long it will last? Verstappen has made it clear he will only stay for as long as he wants to.

Will the Prodigal Son leave home in search of treasure?

Verstappen has never been motivated by the prospect of dominating the statistics of Formula 1. When asked by Sky Sports about the importance of winning more titles, the Dutchman shared, “No, for me, that’s not really what I’m after. I’m just, like I said, enjoying the moment. I try to do the best I can. Of course, you’re very dependent on your material as well that you get in F1.”

The three-time World Champion feels his presence in the sport heavily depends on whether his fire to win remains lit. “I’ll do it as long as I like it and that I, you know, when I look at myself in the mirror and I can tell myself that I’m fully committed and 100 percent going to go for it. Once that day arrives where I can’t be fully committed anymore, that’s where I’m going to stop, because then you’re not in it anymore.” It is well-known how deep Verstappen’s passion runs when it comes to motorsport. “I find passion is incredibly important to be successful, because every time I come to the track, I want to win, I want to try to do the best I can.”. He aims to stay in F1 for as long as that passion runs deep.

Verstappen spends his off-season engaging in sim-racing competitions against veteran Sim racers. He has also shown an interest in endurance racing and the famed Le Mans race. For which he is patiently awaiting the right opportunity. He is enthusiastic about more than simply Formula 1. The 26-year-old had previously participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual. But he quit after experiencing connectivity troubles, calling it a “clown show.”

WATCH THIS STORY: 9 Months After Making “Cheating” Allegations, Zak Brown Bows Down to Max Verstappen’s Robotic Dominance

Will his passion favor another category of racing? One thing is for certain, though, for as long as Max Verstappen lives, his heart will always remain with the world of motorsport. Even if he leaves Red Bull and Formula 1.