Max Verstappen dreams of Mugello: “I wish it was on the formula 1.

Max Verstappen dreams of Mugello: “I wish it was on the Formula 1 calendar”

Max Verstappen recently expressed his admiration for the Mugello circuit and his desire to see it return to the Formula 1 calendar during an interview on Pirelli’s “Box Box” podcast. The Red Bull driver, currently competing in a fierce championship battle with Lando Norris, also touched on the importance of mental strength in Formula 1. He compared a driver’s mentality to Pirelli tire compounds, explaining that success in F1 requires a tough mindset, but in personal life, one can afford to be more relaxed. Verstappen described himself as a “medium compound,” balancing both toughness and softness.

Shifting from mindset to race tracks, Verstappen revealed his wish for Mugello to make a comeback. He praised the Tuscan circuit’s fast and flowing nature, contrasting it with the many “stop-and-go” tracks currently on the calendar. Mugello’s sweeping corners are what make it special, according to Verstappen. However, despite his enthusiasm, the likelihood of Mugello returning seems slim, especially as Monza and Imola might need to vie for a single spot on the 2026 calendar.

Verstappen’s potential retirement in 2028, which has sparked much speculation, was not a focus during the interview. However, Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, commented on the possibility, emphasizing that Verstappen’s enjoyment of racing is crucial to his decision to continue. Marko suggested that if Verstappen stops having fun, he might indeed consider early retirement. Reflecting on Verstappen’s relationship with Liberty Media, Marko defended the Dutch driver, stating that his recent comments had not been directed at anyone personally, but rather at a car, and that any backlash was overblown. Marko acknowledged that if the sport adopts a stricter stance, attitudes may need to adjust, but he personally found the reaction excessive.

Marko also addressed Red Bull’s progress as they prepare to resume the championship fight after the break. The team has been working hard to improve their car’s performance and challenge McLaren on equal footing. He expressed optimism about the updates to the Red Bull car, believing they will lead to significant gains. Marko affirmed that Verstappen remains in strong form and can secure another victory, while Sergio Perez is ready to contend for a top-four finish in the standings.