Max Verstappen has a Red Bull contract until the end of 2028 – but the Dutchman is leaving the door open for an early exit from Formula 1 under certain conditions.
Max Verstappen will be fighting for his fifth world championship title in the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, if he fails to achieve this goal and the Dutchman and Red Bull fall behind under the new regulations, the four-time world champion is leaving the door open for an early end to his career in the premier class.
“I’m only there to win. I’m not there just to participate, because that’s not sustainable for me—then it’s no longer fun,” Verstappen clarified in a recent interview with TAG Heuer. “That’s what I always pay attention to. And at the moment, it’s going really well.”
After the shakedown in Barcelona, the Red Bull driver urged patience. According to his latest statements, an early Formula 1 exit for the Dutchman, whose contract with the Red Bulls runs until 2028, would certainly be possible.
And then? Verstappen currently rules out another role within the team, such as in management. However, the 28-year-old will not be able to do without racing altogether after his retirement as an active driver. “One of my goals, for example, is to bring a simulator driver into the real world,” he says, looking to the future.
Max Verstappen wants to bring sim racers into racing
“That’s already happened this year, and he’s doing very well,” says the four-time Formula 1 world champion, referring to Chris Lulham, with whom he also won the Ferrari guest appearance in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS).
“I just want to develop this project organically because I really enjoy it,” says Verstappen. “And also with a view to the future outside of Formula 1—because I enjoy being a driver in F1, but I don’t think I would ever return to Formula 1 in a management role.”
“In another category, however, more in the endurance racing area, I can definitely imagine it: creating this opportunity for young drivers who don’t have the financial means or opportunities to get into a real race car, and continuing to promote that from the simulator world.”