‘The next step in F1 is my last’ - Max Verstappen on his Formula 1 career and retirement chances

The three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has said that the next step he takes in his Formula 1 career will be his last step. He also gave hope to the Red Bull team which he has been part of for a very long time. The Dutchman has recently fumed at the FIA for giving punishment over swearing. He talked about retiring early from the sport if he can't enjoy that anymore. There are various speculations made about his F1 future.

Now Max himself has confirmed his next potential move in Formula 1. Many say Verstappen will be moving to Mercedes which is the biggest possibility and even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff spoke about the speculations. But they recently signed Kimi Antonelli as the replacement driver for 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who is exiting the Silverstone-based squad to Ferrari next year.

But anything is possible in Formula 1 as Max Verstappen says he could also extend his Red Bull contract and stay with the team which he is been part of for a very long time since his junior years. Red Bull designer Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin has created a possibility of Seeing Max Verstappen in a green race suit too. 

Not liking to switch teams very often

After all these speculations and rumours surrounding Verstappen’s future, the champion has finally spoken about it to the press. He said “My next step, if there is one, will be my last. That could also mean that I renew my existing contract. Everything is still possible at the moment.”

Verstappen’s Red Bull deal will expire in 2028 but he still has an option of moving out of the team mid-way. When asked about his Red Bull contract he said “Maybe, maybe not. It is also not something I'm thinking about right now because there is so much I want to do better this year and everything that comes in the future is still a long way off. It's not an issue right now.”

He also doesn't want to be like Fernando Alonso or Daniel Ricciardo who switched many teams in the past couple of years. He said “I have been part of this team for a long time. It is very easy to change teams, but I don't want my career to be marked in this way. I don't want to be part of four or five different teams.” Max Verstappen says changing teams is not his style and he wants a stable relationship somewhere and he doesn't like that to do at this point of his career. 

Also Read: Lando Norris vs Max Verstappen: who’s got the chance of winning the 2024 F1 world title?