In Zandvoort, Netherlands, Max Verstappen is gearing up for his 200th Formula 1 race with no intention of sticking around for a 400th race. Verstappen, at 26, becomes the youngest F1 driver to hit this milestone, and he will do so at the Dutch Grand Prix in front of his home crowd. When asked about the possibility of another 200 races, he bluntly replied, “No.”
Verstappen acknowledged the significance of reaching 200 races, stating that it has been an incredible journey so far. He is currently the three-time defending champion and has a contract with Red Bull until 2028. Despite not planning to retire soon, he implied that he might not extend his career to the length of some other drivers like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton.
The introduction of new F1 regulations in 2026 could influence Verstappen’s decision-making process regarding his future in the sport. He mentioned that 2028 is a long way off, and he is not currently thinking about a new contract, preferring to keep his options open. Verstappen made his F1 debut at the age of 17 in 2015 and mentioned his interest in exploring other racing series after leaving Formula 1, as long as they offer a less demanding schedule than F1’s 24 races per season.
With a focus on relaxation and fewer races post-F1, Verstappen expressed his desire to pursue other opportunities and be competitive in different racing disciplines. He emphasized the importance of having more time at home while still aiming to perform well in any future racing endeavors. Ultimately, Verstappen remains open-minded about his future in motorsport beyond his current contract with Red Bull.
