Max Verstappen didn’t mince words about his future in Formula 1: “I don’t see myself staying in the Circus much longer, but so far it’s been incredible”
This isn’t the first time Max Verstappen has expressed doubts about his future in Formula 1. However, this time the Dutchman was particularly explicit. On the eve of his home Grand Prix (find the weekend’s schedule and weather here), the Red Bull driver announced that he is already past the halfway point of his career, surprising the press room at Zandvoort.
Here’s what Max Verstappen said ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix: “I would have gladly taken another week off; I really enjoyed it. It was nice not to think about Formula 1… I knew that coming back to the track after the break, at Zandvoort, it would be a tough and intense weekend.”
“I know I’ve passed the 200-race mark in F1, and honestly, I won’t be doing another 200. I’m already past the halfway point of my career; I don’t see myself continuing for much longer. It’s been incredible so far—winning my first race was really special, as was winning my first world championship. Right now, I don’t know what I’ll do when my contract expires. It ends in 2028, and at the moment, I don’t want to think about renewing it. We’ll see how things go with the new regulations, but for now, I’m at ease.”
He then commented on the 2024 title: “Rival? If I look at the championship, Lando is the closest, but lately, there are many fast drivers and cars. We’re all very close, and getting into the right window makes the difference. Here at Zandvoort, many more teams are in the fight for victory. I want to have a clean weekend, but I can’t just come in and say I’ll win. I just hope for a clean weekend.”
Verstappen: “Losing at home wouldn’t bother me too much.”
“Why did I choose the lion? Because it’s already connected to the Netherlands; it’s something you learn to appreciate. hen I chose to use it because it matched well with my colors… ’m happy to be here; it’s always special to have a home GP. It’s a very nice track, fun, and it’s great to see people enjoying themselves. But losing here wouldn’t bother me too much: if I don’t win, I’ll move on. Last year, I had much more confidence in a possible victory. Dry or wet? It doesn’t matter”, ended Verstappen.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing
