Was Verstappen close to saying goodbye to F1? “I didn’t even know if I wanted to stay”

Dafter much speculation, Max Verstappen renewed with Red Bull to stay in Formula 1 until the end of 2030. A renewal for another two years that was not certain to happen – and more than the rumors about being able to switch to another team, what he pondered was put a stop to the career.

Quoted by BBC Sport, Dutchman revealed: “I was closer to retiring than changing teams“. And he made sure that his future was unknown until recently: “After the first races, I told Laurent [Mekies, team leader] not to ask me any questions about the future, because i didn't even know if i wanted to stay“.

A position that later explained at a press conference transcribed on the FIA website: “It was very open, transparent discussions. [...]. And, of course, over the last few months we've been talking about the team's course, the next few years, plans, ideas. It's always been communicated to me very openly and that's what I like. And I like what they are trying to achieve, and that is why I also want to be a part of this in the future.”.

It should be noted that at the beginning of the season, Max Verstappen proved to be something worn out with Formula 1 following the introduction of the new rules, even questioning journalists if it would be worth continuing or if you could enjoy spending more time with families and friends. But now he sees a more encouraging future: “I think we're slowly working for something that gets better and better“, commented on the statements made by the BBC.

A team for the whole career?

Max Verstappen's Formula 1 debut dates back to 2015 at Toro Rosso (present-day Racing Bulls) – which is practically an extension of the Red Bull project dedicated to the development and introduction of young talent into the top class. He made the jump for the main team in 2016, making his career so far linked to the same structure.

In statements available on the Formula 1 website, the 2025 runner-up implied that he could even make his entire career only connected to Red Bull: “I always said, and said it when Dietrich [Matteschitz] was still alive, that my goal was to finish my career on this team. I think we're closer to that. Of course there are many years ahead, but that's still the goal“.

Eyes on other evidence

Despite renewing to stay in Formula 1 by 2031, the driver also wants to continue to participate in other races – this year, it debuted at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in GT3.

The man from the Netherlands was asked at a press conference about whether there are plans and the contractual possibility of contesting other events. To that end: “Yes, it was definitely something I wanted to keep doing. But, of course, what will also be possible next year depends a bit on the Formula 1 calendar.”.

And what races are part of Max Verstappen's plans? “All the great resistance. The 24-hour races in general, it would be very funny to fight them”, clarified the champion.