Verstappen Hints at F1 Retirement Ahead of Las Vegas GP

Verstappen Hints at F1 Retirement Ahead of Las Vegas GP

Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s three-time Formula 1 world champion, has reignited speculation about his future in the sport by hinting at a possible retirement date. The Dutchman, who is on the verge of claiming a fourth consecutive drivers’ title at this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, opened up about his long-term plans and his perspective on life beyond F1.

Verstappen needs to finish ahead of his closest competitor, McLaren’s Lando Norris, to secure the championship in Nevada. While the 27-year-old has led the drivers’ standings all season, his campaign has been far from smooth. Red Bull’s car has struggled in the second half of the year, allowing Norris to close the gap and threaten Verstappen’s dominance. The Brazilian Grand Prix earlier this month marked Verstappen’s first win since mid-June, ending a 10-race drought.

Off-track challenges have also clouded Verstappen’s season. Frustrations with Red Bull’s performance, conflicts with the FIA, and rumors of dissatisfaction have frequently made headlines. Amid this turbulent backdrop, Verstappen has shifted focus to his career trajectory, offering new insight into when he might step away from Formula 1.

Speaking to Road and Track, Verstappen said, “At the moment, I have a contract until [2028]. I’ll be 31 years old at the end of it. Of course, that is still very young, but I started when I was 17—that’s a long time in Formula 1.”

Verstappen acknowledged that his future in the sport depends on several factors, including the new generation of F1 cars debuting in 2026. “It also depends on how the new cars will be to drive from 2026 onwards. Are they enjoyable to drive?” he questioned.

The relentless schedule of Formula 1 is another concern for Verstappen, who highlighted the physical and mental toll of the sport. “The amount of races, how much you’re away from home—it’s demanding. It doesn’t matter if you’re successful or not. For me, that doesn’t matter. Of course, we’ve already won a lot in Formula 1,” he explained.

Having cemented his legacy with 62 race wins, Verstappen emphasized that he does not feel pressured to chase records or surpass legends like Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton. “For me, it’s not that I have to stick around and try to prove myself. I don’t have this desire to win eight or nine titles,” he said.

Looking ahead, Verstappen expressed interest in other forms of motorsport, including endurance racing. He recently tested an Acura ARX-06 prototype, fueling speculation about potential appearances at iconic events like Le Mans or Daytona. “I also want to do other stuff, and at one point, I also want to do fewer races,” he said. “Naturally, when you do an endurance championship, it is a little bit less. The one race is more intense, being 24 hours, but you do have more free time. You can plan your schedule a bit more.”

Verstappen admitted he is drawn to the idea of a less rigid lifestyle. “For most of the year, every week, you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s maybe a bit more relaxed, and you can enjoy life outside of racing,” he concluded.

As Verstappen prepares for the Las Vegas GP, his reflections have added a new layer of intrigue to his already remarkable career. Whether he remains in F1 beyond 2028 or transitions to new challenges, Verstappen’s impact on the sport is undeniable.