Verstappen admits he was closer to retirement than a switch to Mercedes
Max Verstappen and Red Bull have agreed to extend their partnership until 2030, with the driver revealing he had seriously considered ending his career rather than changing teams.
Following months of speculation about a possible move to Mercedes, Max Verstappen and Red Bull have announced a contract extension through 2030. The four-time world champion has repeatedly criticized this season's new regulations, arguing that current racing does not resemble genuine competition.
Considered quitting
Verstappen revealed that before signing the extension, he had seriously weighed ending his career altogether rather than moving to another team. He said that after the season's opening races, he asked team principal Laurent Mekies not to raise questions about his future, since he himself was unsure whether he wanted to remain in Formula 1.
Talks with F1 leadership
The driver stressed that he still loves racing and has had productive conversations with F1 leadership and the FIA about improving the regulations. He acknowledged that progress is slow, so he has adapted to the current situation and is focused on achieving the best possible results.
He also noted that when his new contract expires in 2030, Formula 1 could see the return of V8 engines, which might give him further motivation to extend his career even longer.
Season standings
Verstappen currently sits sixth in the drivers' championship with 109 points. He has reached the podium four times this season but has yet to secure a win. Formula 1 returns from its summer break this weekend with the race at Zandvoort, Verstappen's home track, which will be the last Dutch Grand Prix held there for the foreseeable future.
