Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has revealed that his focus has shifted from chasing championships to prioritizing life off the track. Starting the 2026 season without the number 1 on his Red Bull car for the first time since 2021, following last year’s title loss to Lando Norris, Verstappen expresses a relaxed attitude about this change, reflecting a broader transformation in his perspective.
A New Chapter Without the Champion’s Number
After relinquishing the coveted number 1, Verstappen will compete in 2026 using the number 3 on his car. He acknowledges the natural cycle of sports careers where no driver can remain champion indefinitely. Addressing this, he stated,
“That’s life, it happens in Formula 1 and in other categories, that people are no longer champions at some point,”
to Kicker. He added,
“It’s not a problem for me and it’s not like I have the exclusive rights for the first place.”
Family Takes Priority Over Racing Glory
Verstappen’s evolving mindset places family above winning. Having become a father last year with partner Kelly Piquet, he has found a new source of joy beyond racing. Reflecting on fatherhood, he shared,
“I’ve always wanted this because I’ve already seen how fantastic it is,”
followed by,
“It’s much better than winning a race or a championship. Seeing children grow up is the best.”
His family includes Piquet’s daughter Penelope from her previous relationship with Daniil Kvyat, underscoring his close involvement with all his children.
Changing Attitudes Towards Racing and Enjoyment
Speaking to GQ Australia, Verstappen explained that his approach to racing has matured over time. While still driven to add to his accomplishments, he now emphasizes enjoying the sport rather than solely focusing on results. He reflected,
“I’ve already achieved a lot, and of course I would like to achieve even more, but at the same time – I don’t know, it sounds maybe a bit weird – I just want to have a good time,”
and,
I want to enjoy what I’m doing most because that’s also what I fell in love with when I was a kid. Just having fun with driving and racing.”
Gaining Wisdom in Race Strategy and Self-Control
Verstappen contrasted his current racing style with his earlier years when he prioritized speed above all else. He recounted,
“When I was like 17, 18, I just wanted to go fast. I just want to always be at maximum speed,”
but now he takes a more measured approach, explaining,
“Whereas now, you probably build up to it a bit more. You can put things into perspective a little bit more because of the experience that you have built up and know probably a bit more when to push or not.”
He cited an example from Silverstone last year, describing how he recognized he was ahead during qualifying and opted to ease off in the final sector to avoid mistakes. In contrast, he remembered a costly incident in Jeddah 2021 where pushing too hard led to clipping the wall. Verstappen concluded,
“So it’s all about just finding your limits and sometimes maybe even playing it a tiny bit safe.”
Connecting with the Emerging Generation of Drivers
Verstappen enjoys engaging with new drivers entering Formula 1, finding their camaraderie refreshing and relatable. He said,
“It’s already a bit, I would say refreshing, to talk to them,”
adding,
“They’re very friendly in general, and I can relate quite well with them.”
Although embracing this new wave, he hinted that he may not compete indefinitely, expressing hopes to witness their rise.
“I hope that in a way that I’m still there to see that new generation coming to F1,”
he remarked, summarizing his outlook with a single word: evolution.
A Reflective Outlook and What the Future Holds
Verstappen’s evolving views highlight a driver who has grown beyond the sole pursuit of victory, embracing family, enjoyment, and the wisdom gained from experience. As Formula 1 welcomes younger talents, Verstappen’s thoughtful perspective signals a shift in priorities that may influence how champions approach their legacies. His readiness to support the next generation while finding balance in his own life underscores the changing nature of top-level sport careers and personal fulfillment.
