The World Drivers’ Championship leader is not very enthusiastic about his future in the category
The main name of the season Formula 1 In the final stages, the gap was reduced from 104 points to 24 for the leaders of the World Drivers’ Championship. Max Verstappen He’s not too excited about his future in this category. In his search for his fifth world title, the Red Bull driver said he has no ambition to reach seven World Cup finals. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.
Increasingly present in other categories of motorsport, the 28-year-old Dutchman has linked his stay in Formula 1 to the new rules that will be implemented from next year – which, according to him, could be his last, if he does not feel comfortable. Verstappen said in an interview with the British newspaper The Sun: “My contract runs until 2028, but (the future) will depend on the new rules in 2026, and if they are good and fun. If they are not fun, I don’t really see myself here.” Press Association.
“If this is your life, it’s very difficult to walk away from it,” he commented. “But if you have other projects in the pipeline, or something you really want to invest your time in, it will become easier,” added the four-time champion, who intends to spend more time with his family – in May this year, Lily was born, the result of a relationship with Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time champion Nelson Piquet.
“I have many other passions, other racing categories, I want to spend more time with my family and live according to my own schedule,” he explained. “I know if I close this chapter, it will be closed forever. I don’t see myself stopping and going back. When I stop, I really stop.”
Not even a potential title this year and the proximity of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s seven titles motivates the Dutchman. “When you win four world championships, it’s unbelievable, and I really shouldn’t be involved, but here I am,” he said. “Winning seven titles is not in my plans. I know I still have three more years to go, so it will be possible, but it’s not something I need to do before retiring from the sport. I can retire tomorrow.”
Keeping the future open, Max Verstappen is aiming to get closer to leader Lando Norris this weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix. The main race will take place on Sunday at 1pm (Brasilia time).