Max Verstappen drops retirement tease after winning fourth F1 title in a row
Max Verstappen discussed his retirement plans after winning his fourth World Championship.
Max Verstappen has affirmed that he has no plans to stay in F1 for another '10 years' after sealing his fourth successive World Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Dutchman wrapped up his latest crown with two races and a sprint to spare after finishing one place ahead of title rival Lando Norris on the Las Vegas tarmac.
Asked about his plans to add more trophies to his collection, he said: "I'd like to win another 10 championships, but I know I'm not going to be in Formula One in 10 years."
Related articles
Verstappen has long hinted that he has no plans to stick around in F1 for the long-term, and recently suggested that his future in the series depends on the performance of the new cars in 2026.
Ahead of the Las Vegas GP he told Road & Track: "At the moment, I have a contract until [2028]. I'll be 31 years old at the end of it. Of course that is still very young, but I started when I was 17. That's a long time in Formula One.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"For me, it depends on how the new cars will be to drive from '26 onwards. Are they enjoyable to drive? The amount of races, how much you're away from home. It's demanding.
"It doesn't matter if you're very successful or not. For me, that doesn't matter. Of course, we've already won a lot in Formula One. For me, it's not that I have to stick around and try to prove myself. I don't have this desire to win eight or nine titles.
More F1: Martin Brundle baffled by 'really odd' Las Vegas grid walk as 'no celebs' about
More F1: Seven drivers could get F1 dream granted with Andretti close to joining grid
More F1: Christian Horner digs out Toto Wolff and mocks Mercedes over Lewis Hamilton exit
"[So] I'm very open-minded at the moment. I'm like, 'Let's just see, wait until the real car is there, how it drives, and go from there'. It's not just about the driving experience, it's the whole package, how it comes together. I'm not really stressed about my future. I want to enjoy it and of, course, I want to do well. I want to win. It's also about enjoying what you're doing."
If Verstappen does pull the plug on his F1 career at the end of his current deal, his most likely landing spot is in the World Endurance Championship, or potentially the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
