Max Verstappen has hinted he could retire from Formula One when his contract with Red Bull expires in 2028, saying: “I want to do other stuff”.
Verstappen retained the drivers’ championship in dominant fashion this campaign, posting 15 victories in 22 races – a new single-season record.
However, speaking before he claimed a record third straight victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen highlighted F1’s impact on his family life and cast doubt upon his long-term future in the sport.
Asked whether he would continue in F1 when his current deal expires in six years, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t know after that, but it also probably depends how competitive we are in ’28.
“I’ve still got time. I don’t want to make drastic decisions now.
“I want to do other stuff. F1 is amazing and I’ve achieved a lot, and I’m very happy and proud about it, but it’s a lot of travelling and it’s a lot of races.
“At one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That’s when you need to make your mind up.”
Verstappen finished the season 146 points clear of second-placed Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ championship standings, having wrapped up his second world title with four races to spare.
Simply sublime 🏆 15 wins in a season 🏁 #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/E7q6pBjsDG
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 20, 2022
Source: Livescore