Max Verstappen has hinted that he’s thinking about the finish line of his Formula 1 career, with the sport heading into one of its biggest overhauls in recent memory.
The Red Bull driver hasn’t held back in his opinions during pre-season testing, raising concerns about the new hybrid power units and how they’re set to shape racing dynamics.
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The Red Bull driver has suggested that Formula 1 has become ‘Formula E on steroids’ due to the new hybrid power units, and described ‘management’ as the key buzzword that drivers will be concentrating on this year.
Liberty Media might not be thrilled with Verstappen’s critiques, but his straightforward approach hasn’t hurt his standing among fans.
He’s also talked about wanting to finish out his F1 days with Red Bull, though he could easily stick around motorsport in other ways, given his growing interest in sim racing and GT3 competition.
Max Verstappen ‘very happy’ with his career as he focuses on life outside Formula 1
During an appearance on the Up To Speed Podcast, Verstappen was asked by Naomi Schiff about where he sees himself on his path to leaving F1 and what he hopes to do afterwards.
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Verstappen replied: “Well, definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure. I mean, honestly, like it’s a tough one. I would say, of course, the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in Formula 1. Let’s say it like that.
“But it doesn’t matter. I’m very happy with my career anyway, already in Formula 1.
“I can easily leave it behind. I have a lot of other projects. And also, I mean, who actually cares when you’re 60 or 70 years old if you have won four titles or 10 because you’re getting old and I prefer to spend that [time] with my family and really spend time with them before they are also not there anymore.
“That’s something that over time the realisation that I start to see. Like last week I was skiing with good friends and family and my sister’s boyfriend they’re getting married so these kind of moments then you realise this is fantastic being able to spend a few days together appreciate life for sure.
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“Who cares trying to go 24 times a year around the world trying to hunt for another title and when you’re 60 years old or whatever like I don’t care if I win four or eight.
“I want to live my life you only live once and I don’t want to spend 25 years of that in racing a car.
Who should Red Bull focus on if Max Verstappen leaves?
Piastri has been mentioned as a possibility for Red Bull while questions remain over how long McLaren can keep both him and Lando Norris satisfied within their setup.
If Ferrari continues struggling into another season, Leclerc could again become linked with Red Bull as rumours resurface about him leaving Maranello for Milton Keynes.
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