Balancing Career and Life: Max Verstappen's Priorities Beyond Formula 1

• Sports

Max Verstappen, two-time Formula 1 world champion and driver for Red Bull Racing, recently spoke about the future of his racing career and his plans beyond Formula 1. Despite his young age of 25 and a contract with Red Bull Racing that runs until 2028, Verstappen is seriously considering retiring from the sport.

Reflecting on his Career and Future Plans In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Verstappen expressed his gratitude for being able to drive in Formula 1, but also acknowledged the limitations and demands of the sport.

He stated, "I know I'm very lucky to drive a Formula 1 car. I can do what I want, but at some point it doesn't matter. I already have a lot of plans for what I want to do. It's also about quality of life. There are other things in life besides Formula 1." When asked about his retirement plans, Verstappen confirmed, "Yes, I am seriously thinking about it." The Dutch driver recognizes that with the increasing number of races in a season, up to 24 races per year, it takes a physical toll that he does not want to endure for the rest of his career.

He stated, "I don't want to spend my best years physically just in Formula 1. With the races multiplying, 23 or 24 a year is far too many."

Challenging the Norm in Formula 1 Racing

Verstappen's attitude towards retirement is uncommon in the world of Formula 1 racing, where many drivers continue to race well into their 40s and beyond.

However, there have been instances of relatively young drivers, such as Nico Rosberg, who have retired suddenly. On the other hand, veteran Fernando Alonso continues to perform at a high level, even at 41 years old. In the first race of the new season in Bahrain, he placed third driving for Aston Martin.

In terms of championships, Verstappen would need to be a champion every year until the end of his contract in 2028 to surpass the records of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who each have seven titles. However, it is evident that Verstappen's priorities extend beyond championships and records, as he looks towards a future beyond Formula 1 racing.