Verstappen insists ‘I’m definitely closer to the end’ of F1 career

Max Verstappen has never raced for the record books – and now the four-time world champion is openly questioning how much longer he even wants to stay on Formula 1’s treadmill.

The Red Bull charger, still only 28 and contracted through 2028, admits his F1 chapter may be far shorter than many expect. Amid uncertainty over the sport’s 2026 regulations – cars he has already blasted as “not a lot of fun” and labeled as “Formula E on steroids” – Verstappen offered his most candid reflection yet.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, he said he sees his career as “definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure” when asked about his longevity in the sport.

"Honestly, like it's a tough one,” he admitted. “I would say of course the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in F1. Let’s say it like that. It doesn't matter.

“I mean, I'm very happy with my career anyway already in F1. I can easily leave it behind, I have a lot of other projects.”

Records? Who actually cares?

In an era obsessed with numbers – titles, wins, milestones – Verstappen insists the chase means little to him. Legacy does not keep him awake at night.

“Who actually cares when you're 60 or 70 years old if you have won four titles or 10, because you're getting old and I prefer to spend that with my family and really spend time with them before they are also not there anymore you know and that's something that over time and realisation I start to see,” he added.

Fatherhood in 2025 appears to have sharpened that perspective. The Dutchman spoke warmly about time spent away from the cockpit.

"Last week, I was skiing with good friends and family and my sister's boyfriend, they're getting married you know, so I realised, ‘this is fantastic’ you know like being able to spend a few days together and appreciate life for sure,” he said.

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"Who cares like trying to go 24 times a year around the world trying to hunt for another title and when you're 60 years old or whatever… I don't care if I win four or eight. I mean I want to live my life. You only live once and I don't want to spend 25 years of that in racing a car.

"I want to also just appreciate life and what is out there. So yeah, we'll see. Maybe I sound a bit dramatic now, but I just don't want to keep hunting or keep trying to live only for racing."

For a driver at the peak of his powers, it’s a startling admission: the fiercest competitor on the grid may already be glancing at the exit.

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