Before extending his contract with Red Bull until 2030, Max Verstappen seriously considered a much more radical option: quitting Formula 1.
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Max Verstappen could have made a completely unexpected decision regarding his future. While the four-time world champion has just extended his contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2030 season, he reveals that he seriously considered completely stopping Formula 1.
The Dutchman previously had a contract running until 2028, but his future had sparked much speculation due to the difficulties faced by Red Bull this season. A move to another team had notably been mentioned, and Verstappen confirms having had discussions with McLaren. However, changing teams was not the alternative he considered most seriously.
“I was closer to quitting Formula 1”
Verstappen has never hidden that he did not necessarily want to continue his Formula 1 career for another decade. Despite his immense record, the Red Bull driver has regularly explained that his enjoyment of driving and his projects outside the sport would play a decisive role in the length of his career.
Red Bull’s difficulties in 2026 led him to explore different possibilities. The discussions with McLaren were indeed real, and Verstappen assures he took this option seriously, without actually being very close to joining a rival team.
“You have to take every discussion with another team seriously. But in the end, I was closer to quitting Formula 1 than signing with another team.”
When asked about the real proximity of a possible retirement, Verstappen responded with humor before acknowledging that this reflection had been much more concrete than a passing idea.
“Either you stop, or you continue, so it’s a 50-50 decision. I seriously considered stopping. But in the end, I just love racing.”
Verstappen feels he has nothing left to prove
At only 28 years old, Verstappen already has a record that allows him to approach his future with a certain freedom. Four-time world champion, he considers having achieved his main goal with his first title and therefore no longer feels the need to pursue certain records at all costs.
This philosophy partly explains why the idea of an early retirement could become a real possibility. The Dutchman insists that he does not race to improve his place in the statistics or to inscribe his name at the top of every historical ranking.
“I am a four-time world champion and, after my first title, I had already accomplished everything I had always wanted to accomplish.”
“I don’t race to enter the history books, but for myself, for the team, and for our fans. That’s also why the decision was ultimately made quite quickly.”
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Why Verstappen ultimately chose Red Bull
Despite the questions surrounding Red Bull’s performance, Verstappen chose to extend his commitment by two additional years compared to his previous contract. He will now remain linked to the Milton Keynes team until the end of the 2030 season.
A decision made while his 2026 campaign is particularly difficult. With 145 points, Verstappen currently occupies sixth place in the championship and is already 147 points behind Kimi Antonelli, a solid leader at the wheel of his Mercedes.
But the Dutchman assures that current performances and outside criticism did not weigh as much as one might imagine in his reflection.
“If both parties want to continue working together long-term, why wait? Criticism doesn’t bother me. I don’t care what others think of me.”
For Verstappen, the opinion of his close circle and the confidence he maintains in Red Bull remain much more important than comments from outside.
“The only thing that matters is what my family, my management team, Red Bull, and I feel. I have to be able to agree with myself, and I do.”
No question of following Alonso until 45?
His extension until 2030 does not mean, however, that Verstappen now envisions an endless career in Formula 1. Like Fernando Alonso, still present on the grid at 45, some drivers today considerably delay the age of their retirement.
Verstappen does not necessarily imagine following the same path. When asked if he could still drive in Formula 1 in his mid-forties, his answer was cautious but clear.
“I don’t think so, but it’s impossible to predict. I will continue racing as long as I enjoy it.”
A phrase that ultimately sums up his entire reflection. Despite potential offers from other teams and the possibility of quitting Formula 1 much earlier than expected, Verstappen chose to continue the adventure with Red Bull. But even with a contract until 2030, the four-time world champion warns once again that his enjoyment of racing will remain the true judge of his career.
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