Max Verstappen has revealed for the first time that he may extend his Max Verstappen F1 career extension into his mid- to late 30s, signaling a significant shift from his earlier stance. The Dutch driver entered Formula 1 in 2015 as a teenager with Toro Rosso before quickly advancing to Red Bull in 2016 due to his exceptional talent.
During his first championship battle in 2021, Verstappen expressed that he did not intend to race deep into his 30s. After signing a contract extension with Red Bull through 2028, he described it as his last deal, implying retirement would follow. Despite exploring various other racing series in his off time, Verstappen maintained that he would not prolong his F1 career significantly.
More recently, however, Verstappen has shifted his perspective, stating that if he continues to enjoy racing and remains motivated, he is open to competing well into his 30s. He explained,
“People sometimes hang around maybe to create more money, but at the end of the day, that doesn’t come first. It’s important you’re here because of the hunger to win. Some people come here to just get the best out of their car because some don’t have a winning car.”
He added,
“But that’s why I think: as long as I can do that, and I’m working with the people that I enjoy working with, then, yeah, we’ll drive. I don’t know when that will stop. Is that 32? Is that 35? 36? I don’t know. It’s impossible to know.”
Challenges of Balancing Racing and Family Life
Verstappen also discussed the emotional difficulties that come with the demands of Formula 1, particularly the extended time spent away from family. Now a father, he acknowledged missing simple, everyday moments with his loved ones due to his busy schedule and distance. On this, he shared,
“I feel like I’m already missing out so much on just being with my family. I spend holidays with them, but I really miss the moments of just casually rocking up for a weekend or just hanging out on the couch, sitting together on a lazy day, or just after a normal work day. We live quite far apart now, (so) these kinds of moments are not possible with my life. I hope one day that it can go back to that.”
Looking Ahead Amid Changing Team Dynamics
It is important to note that Verstappen’s remarks were made during the F1 Austrian Grand Prix and may not fully represent his current outlook, especially given recent developments such as Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull. These changes could influence Verstappen’s future choices as the season progresses. The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix promises to provide additional insights into the direction of Verstappen’s career and his relationship with the team.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. On May 2, Verstappen, who is 27 years old, shared two pictures of his newborn daughter. He introduced her as Lily in an Instagram caption, saying, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily.”
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet shared the news of their new baby girl named Lily. Before the 2024 season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, they announced they were expecting. Lily joins Piquet’s family as Penelope’s new baby sister.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. His partner, Kelly Piquet, is the daughter of former world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter named Penelope from a past relationship with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has built a strong bond with Penelope and mentioned this when questioned if fatherhood would affect his racing.
Q. Why did Max Verstappen get punished?
A. At the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is just one penalty point away from receiving a race ban. The stewards determined he was at fault for a collision with George Russell during the race on Sunday.
