Max Verstappen responds to retirement queries declaring he ‘could do whatever he wants’ following his third title clinch

Max Verstappen is currently the driver with the longest contract on the grid.

Max Verstappen responds to retirement queries declaring he ‘could do whatever he wants’ following his third title clinch

Red Bull's Max Verstappen. (Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has frequently expressed contemplation of an early retirement, citing discomfort with the perpetually evolving landscape of Formula 1. The Dutch champion secured his third consecutive world championship during yesterday’s Qatar GP Sprint, even before crossing the checkered flag, as his teammate, nearest contender, Sergio Perez crashed out of the race. Such was his domination in 2023 and with his dream already fulfilled, the Dutchman shared his post-retirement plans. 

Verstappen now stands among the elite few in the sport’s history, having achieved the remarkable feat of three consecutive world championships. Following his arduous triumph in 2021, he openly affirmed that his aspirations have been realized, harboring no ambitions of surpassing records for the most wins or becoming the most successful driver in the sport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbXAvRenFSM

He is now currently the fifth most successful driver and is only 2 wins shy of his 50th win. Speaking to Sky Sports, as quoted by Formu1a.ino if he is yearning for more titles, Verstappen gave a candid reply saying, “It’s not something that I have on my mind… Time will tell.” He added, “I’ve already achieved a lot more than I ever thought possible, so I’m already very happy.” 

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Max claimed that he would not hesitate to retire tomorrow as he has now already achieved the success and satisfaction needed. He claimed, “I was very satisfied, yeah. I mean, if you told me you have to retire tomorrow for whatever reason, you know, my life is good.” Sharing his thoughts on post-retirement plans, he said “I could do whatever I want.”

Discover: Christian Horner proclaims Max Verstappen is on ‘another level’ compared to Sebastian Vettel after his title win at Qatar GP sprint

Would Max Verstappen consider an early retirement?

Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull Racing until the conclusion of the 2028 season. Given the team’s stellar performance in 2023, securing victories in all but one race, the prospect of Verstappen breaking more records seems highly plausible. However, a potential hurdle arises as the 26-year-old will reach the age of 31 by the end of his contract, raising questions about the impact of the sport’s constant evolution on his decision to continue racing.

Christian Horner and Mmax Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Credits: Formula Rapida.net)

The ongoing transformations in Formula 1, slated for the next few years, may influence Verstappen’s consideration of an early retirement. Despite Red Bull’s dominance in 2023, the dynamic nature of the sport could lead Verstappen to contemplate stepping away prematurely. Red Bull, banking on him as their future star, would undoubtedly strive to prevent such an outcome, eager to retain him until the end of his contractual commitment

Conversely, Verstappen has expressed potential post-racing plans that involve transitioning into other racing formats. Notably, he envisions a collaborative venture with his father, former champion Jos Verstappen, in owning a racing team. Beyond this, Verstappen has articulated a desire to tap into the talent pool of simulator racing by recruiting drivers and, commendably, to contribute to the accessibility of motorsports by supporting underprivileged children in navigating the expensive world of racing.

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