Max Verstappen's years in F1 may be numbered, but not his time in motorsport as the two-time world champion ambitions to follow his success in F1 with a stint in endurance racing to "have a bit more fun with less pressure".
Earlier this year, Verstappen committed to the longest deal ever enjoyed by a driver in F1 when he extended his contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028.
Queried on his future in Abu Dhabi last month after wrapping up his second world title in F1, Verstappen admitted that the grind and effort of undertaking a grueling 23 or 24-race season in F1 could incite him to call it a day on his career as a Grand Prix driver in six years' time.
"We’re all racers and we love racing," he said. "Of course, it’s nice to have a season like I had last year [fighting intensely with Lewis Hamilton] but it’s also nice to have a season like I have this year.
"It would be very tough if you have every single year, the year I had last year.
"F1 is a lot of fun, and I'm having a lot of success at the moment But I want to do other things as well.
"I know my contract runs until 2028. I will be 31 at that time. I'm probably still going to be competitive for a few more years after that.
"But in those years, I also want to experience other things and just have a bit more fun with less pressure and less of a schedule."
Unlike Fernando Alonso, F1's senior citizen, Verstappen won't be racing in F1 into his forties. But the Dutchman might well find himself partnering the Spaniard at Le Mans, an event that is at the top of Verstappen's bucket list.
That opportunity was suggested by Alonso himself recently. The two-time Le Mans winner said that he would love to tackle the French classic in a competitive team with Verstappen, and the latter is absolutely open to such a plan.
"If Fernando goes, he wants to challenge for the win in a competitive car, and I am exactly the same," said Verstappen.
"That is also why I don't want to rush the whole project, just because there are so many changes happening at the moment in endurance.
"I think it is better to wait and see what is exactly happening now and to see how it's going to progress, and then make your mind up."
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