Verstappen says he is 'closer to the end' of his F1 career

Max Verstappen has stated he is "definitely closer to the end" of his Formula 1 career, citing the upcoming 2026 regulations and a desire for a life beyond racing as key factors. The reigning world champion emphasized that his achievements already satisfy him and that he could "easily leave it behind" to spend more time with family and pursue other interests, questioning the pursuit of more titles into his later years.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's candid comments provide a rare glimpse into the mindset of the sport's current dominant force and challenge the assumption that top drivers will compete into their 40s. His perspective highlights a growing tension between the immense personal sacrifice required in modern F1 and the value of life outside the cockpit, potentially influencing how the next generation of stars views career longevity.

The details:

• Verstappen made the remarks on the Up to Speed podcast, directly linking his career timeline to the 2026 technical regulations, which he has previously criticized for their increased focus on battery and energy management.
• He explicitly contrasted his outlook with the paths of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, stating he does not intend to race into his 40s.
• A recent skiing trip with friends and family served as a catalyst for his reflection, reinforcing his desire to "live my life" and not spend "25 years of that in a racing car."
• The Dutch driver downplayed the importance of chasing more championships, asking, "who actually cares when you’re 60 or 70 years old, if you have won four titles or 10?"
• He is under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2028 season.

What's next:

While Verstappen's current contract runs through 2028, his latest comments will fuel speculation about an early retirement, especially if the 2026 regulations prove as unappealing to him as he fears. His stance puts a clear timeline on Red Bull's period of dominance with him at the wheel and may accelerate the team's long-term succession planning. The broader impact could be a philosophical shift in the sport, where peak performance over a shorter, more intense career becomes a new model, contrasted with the enduring longevity of previous champions.