Max Verstappen is still considering a relatively early retirement from Formula 1. A philosophy that his former teammate Carlos Sainz struggles to understand.
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Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz started together in Formula 1 at Toro Rosso in 2015, but their vision of the ideal career length could hardly be more different. While the Dutchman regularly talks about the idea of leaving the sport relatively young, the Spaniard, on the contrary, plans to stay on the grid as long as he is able.
Verstappen reiterated his position during the negotiations surrounding his recent extension with Red Bull. The four-time world champion then stated he was “closer to retirement than to a team change”.
A way of thinking that Sainz admits he does not really understand. Nearly 32 years old, the Williams driver even believes he could perfectly continue his career until 45 if his motivation and performance level remain intact.
Verstappen has never hidden his desire to leave relatively early
Verstappen has a rather unique situation as he started in Formula 1 at only 17 years old. A few months later, at 18, he became the youngest winner of a Grand Prix.
After recently extending his contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2030 season, the Dutchman will still be only 33 years old when this agreement ends.
He has already hinted several times that this new contract could be his last in Formula 1. Verstappen does not see himself continuing his career into his forties like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton.
A similar decision to that made, under even more spectacular circumstances, by Nico Rosberg. The German announced his retirement only five days after winning the 2016 world championship, preferring to leave Formula 1 at the top rather than defend his title.
Sainz still sees himself racing for many years
This philosophy is the opposite of Sainz’s. The Spaniard has also just extended his contract with Williams and currently sets no specific deadline for his career.
The performances of Alonso and Hamilton are even a source of inspiration.
“When I look at what Fernando and Lewis are still capable of doing, but also Nico Hülkenberg, who is a few years older than me, it confirms to me that it is possible to maintain a very high driving level for a long time,” Sainz explains to Autosport.
The Spaniard believes that Formula 1 allows drivers to extend their careers provided they maintain excellent physical condition.
He even has a particularly close example: his father.
The example of Carlos Sainz Sr
Carlos Sainz Sr continues to participate in the biggest rally-raid events even though he is over sixty.
“I also have an example in my own family. My father Carlos does not race in Formula 1, but at 63, he remains competitive and even won the Dakar two years ago.”
For the Williams driver, longevity therefore depends primarily on two elements: physical condition and motivation.
“If you take care of your physical condition and maintain strong motivation, you can extend your career for a very long time.”
But Sainz admits that driving is not necessarily the most difficult element to manage as you get older.
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“I think you can continue until 45 years old”
With 24 Grands Prix on the calendar, travel and numerous commercial or media obligations represent a considerable burden for drivers.
“You have to be in a good mental state, because you also have to take into account all the travel, as well as marketing and media obligations.”
Ignoring these constraints, Sainz sees no physical reason preventing a driver from continuing for a very long time.
“If you put these aspects aside, I think you can continue until 45 years old.”
A limit that corresponds precisely to Alonso’s current age, still present on the grid and still capable of being competitive with Aston Martin.
“I don’t understand people who say no”
When asked directly if he plans to stay in Formula 1 as long as possible, Sainz leaves no doubt.
“For now, yes. I think I will stay in Formula 1 as long as I can. I don’t understand people who say no.”
The Williams driver even admits having difficulty imagining what could replace the sensations provided by Formula 1.
“I find it strange, because my theory is that at 40, you haven’t even reached half of your life yet. And I then wonder what I will do during the entire second half.”
Yet Sainz has many interests outside the circuits.
“I like playing golf, cycling, playing padel, and challenging myself in the business world. But even combining all these activities, they still don’t give me as much pleasure as what I experience today.”
Sainz doesn’t want to trade anything for his life in Formula 1
The Spaniard is fully aware of the constraints imposed by the modern calendar. With 24 races plus testing, promotional events, and travel, a season leaves little free time.
But these sacrifices are largely offset by the privilege of racing in Formula 1.
“I am aware of how lucky I am to be part of this sport. It’s true that 24 races is a lot and that there are many other obligations around it.”
However, this does not change his desire to continue.
“When I go to bed at night, I remind myself that I wouldn’t trade all this for anything in the world.”
While Verstappen still considers the possibility of leaving Formula 1 relatively young, Sainz adopts the opposite philosophy: as long as speed, motivation, and pleasure are present, the Spaniard sees no reason to stop.
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