Why Is Max Verstappen Looking To Retire Early From F1?

In Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker is portrayed as the “Chosen One,” a prophesied figure who is destined to bring balance to the Force. Similarly, Max Verstappen can be referred to as the “Chosen One” in Formula 1. He burst onto the scene as a young prodigy, displaying immense talent and potential from a young age. Verstappen made his debut in Formula 1 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest driver in history to start a race. He quickly gained a reputation as a fearless and aggressive driver, capable of challenging the established order of the sport, led by Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, aka the Rebel Alliance.

But here comes the difference between them: While Anakin eventually gave up late, Max Verstappen is looking to retire early from the sport and has hinted several times about his intentions. He has become a symbol of hope for the younger generation of drivers, seen as a potential savior who could bring a new era of dominance to Formula 1, and so he has.

The first time he said something related to his retirement was after the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP. Contracted with his childhood team Red Bull until the end of 2028, the reigning champion said, “I don’t know after that. But it also probably depends how competitive we are in ’28. I’ve still got time. I don’t want to make drastic decisions now.”

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“I want to do other stuff. F1 is amazing and I’ve achieved a lot, and I’m very happy and proud about it… but it’s a lot of travelling and it’s a lot of races [F1 is set for a 24-race season in 2023]. And at one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That’s when you need to make your mind up,” as quoted by Sky Sports, hints at his shifting priorities away from F1.

Max Verstappen’s checklist for early retirement

The Red Bull star knows the value of racing in Formula 1. He knows the luck that’s needed to be successful here. But he also has things set in his mind that are forcing him to hang up the suit. Over time, he has listed out the conditions that will push him towards an unprecedented early retirement. And at the top of the list is that he needs to drive competitively by the end of his current Red Bull contract. He wants to drive at the front of the grid and compete for the championship and podiums. Otherwise, he’d rather compete elsewhere.

Moreover, a recent addition to the list comes as Formula 1 looks to change the sprint weekend format. The 25-year-old hasn’t been happy with the authorities hampering the DNA of the sport. He has voiced his opposition strongly at the Australian GP, saying, “I’m happy with just the main race. I think that’s way better for the excitement. Naturally, of course, I hope that there won’t be too many changes, otherwise, I won’t be around for too long.”

Currently, Max has been the only driver to roll the grid dynamics away from Mercedes. The star and great driver that he is, his dominance appears to be getting stronger as he is the kind of driver to make the most out of his drives on the weekend.

Max Verstappen lists out plans after F1

It is clear from his statements that the Dutchman isn’t joking about early retirement. With Lewis Hamilton racing at the top of the sport well into his late 30s and Fernando Alonso in his 40s, Verstappen and his boss Christian Horner don’t see the 25-year-old racing in F1 that late. 

When asked about his plans after his hinted retirement at the age of 31, as quoted by PlanetF1, he revealed, “You will not see me as an analyst or in a team role. I don’t have the motivation for that. If I no longer drive myself, I want to do other fun things.”

Later, on plans of rallying with his father Jos Verstappen, he said, “I want to, but he doesn’t want to at the moment, so I need to convince him. He’s fully into rallying. I hope, of course, in the coming years, we can do that,” as quoted by GP Fans, which could potentially be his pivot away from Formula 1 when he eventually takes the suit off.

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After his failed attempts at winning the 24 hours of Le Mans Virtual, who knows if the 31-year-old in 2028 goes for endurance racing? Or what if he goes to seek the prestigious triple crown of motorsport? Certainly, whatever he’d do, he’d keep his focus on the family, as he has shown himself to be a great family man. Max’s focus after reaching the pinnacle of F1 is clear and known to all, with a desire to have children in the future and a closer relationship with his family members.