Max Verstappen has revealed that his future in F1 hinges on his passion for racing and enjoyment of team collaboration.
The Red Bull star driver, whose contract runs until 2028, has faced speculation about his long-term commitment to Formula 1. Recent rumors of a potential switch to Mercedes for 2026 have faded, with the Mercedes team focusing on George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen, who will be 31 when his deal expires, has also expressed frustration with aspects of Formula 1 in recent seasons, fueling talk of an early exit from the sport.
Despite this, Verstappen has suggested he could race into his mid-to-late 30s, provided he remains motivated. “Some drivers stay for financial reasons, but for me, that’s not the priority,” Verstappen said in an interview with The Athletic.
“The hunger to win and working with a team I enjoy are what keep me here. As long as I have that, we’ll keep racing. Whether that’s until I’m 32, 35, or 36, I can’t say, it’s impossible to predict.”
Off the track, Verstappen’s life has transformed significantly. In May 2025, he and partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter, Lilly, marking his first foray into fatherhood.
The Dutch driver admitted that balancing family life with his demanding career is a growing challenge. “We’re already missing out on so much family time,” Verstappen said.
“Holidays are great, but I miss casual moments, like spending a lazy weekend on the couch together. Right now, our lives are too far apart for that, but I hope one day we can have those moments again.”
Red Bull are preparing for the next challenge on the Formula 1 calendar, the Belgian Grand Prix, set for 44 laps around the iconic 7.004-kilometer Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Sunday, July 27.
Recent updates from the Red Bull official X account highlight their confidence heading into Spa, with the team noting strong preparations and optimism for a competitive weekend. Verstappen himself shared on X that he’s “excited to race at one of my favorite tracks,” signaling his focus remains sharp despite ongoing speculation about his future.
