Max Verstappen has stated that he was more inclined to retire from Formula 1 than to join another team. Speaking to the media in Zandvoort before the 2026 Dutch GP, the Red Bull driver discussed the factors that led him to contemplate retirement.
Prior to the Dutch GP, Verstappen and Red Bull confirmed an extension of his contract through 2030. Although the Dutch driver was already under contract until the conclusion of the 2028 season, uncertainty about his future sparked rumors of him being linked to other teams. The new agreement put an end to such speculation.
Verstappen had been connected with teams such as Mercedes, Aston Martin, and McLaren, despite his commitment to Red Bull until 2028. Reports indicated that the four-time world champion had engaged in talks with Mercedes and McLaren, exploring options to exit his Red Bull contract. Additionally, it was rumored that his contract included a performance clause allowing him to leave if he wasn’t in the top three of the championship at the summer break.
Following the contract extension announcement, Verstappen admitted he had seriously thought about retiring from Formula 1. He shared that he had a discussion with team principal Laurent Mekies, during which he declined to talk about his future. Before renewing with Red Bull, Verstappen acknowledged he was considering all possibilities regarding his future.
Verstappen also voiced his dissatisfaction with the current regulations, which intensified speculation during the first half of the 2026 season. His criticism of the rules and hints at potentially leaving the sport suggested he might take a sabbatical or retire. Nonetheless, he believes his discussions with the FIA and F1 have led to positive steps toward enhancing the sport.
Discussing the rumors and his decision to stay with Red Bull, Max Verstappen explained:
“I was closer to retiring than changing teams. I have to say, after the first few races, I said to Laurent [Mekies, Red Bull team principal], don’t come to me with any kind of questions about the future, because I don’t even know if I want to stay. But honestly, we always kept it very open. I mean, I love racing.”
He further commented,
“I had a lot of very good discussions with F1, but also with the FIA [about the regulations]. We are, let’s say, slowly working towards something that becomes better and better. So also from my side, I adapted, I accept the situation that I think we’re all in, and just trying to make the best of that.”
Max Verstappen expresses desire to conclude career with Red Bull
Max Verstappen reiterated that his primary goal has always been to end his racing career with Red Bull. He shared that this was something he had previously discussed with the late Red Bull owner, Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite recent performance challenges for the team, Verstappen believes he has achieved significant success with Red Bull and aims to restore the team to its former glory.
On his intention to finish his career with Red Bull, Verstappen stated:
“I always said, and I said this when Dietrich [Mateschitz, Red Bull founder] was still alive, I said my goal and target is to finish my career in this team. And I think we are getting close to that. I mean, of course, there’s still a lot of years ahead, but that’s still the target. So that’s why I’m very proud to extend and try to get back to the top. We have tasted a lot of being on top. That’s why I think you’re very hungry, of course, to try and get there again.”
Though Verstappen enjoyed a dominant run with Red Bull since 2021, he finished second in the 2025 championship and has fallen outside the top five in 2026. Currently, Red Bull possesses the fourth-fastest car on the grid and ranks fourth in the constructors’ championship. The four-time world champion had not finished outside the top five in the championship since 2017, with his latest race victory at the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP.
With much of the season remaining and 2026 being a transition year under new regulations, the possibility of Red Bull and Verstappen turning their season around remains. Red Bull plans to introduce additional performance upgrades to both the car and engine in the latter half of the season.
Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli
