Max Verstappen has admitted that his “next step will be my last” in his Formula 1 career, whether that be renewing with Red Bull or going to another team on the grid.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028, but the team’s decline in competitiveness and recent exodus have prompted reports that he could look elsewhere.
The Dutchman built up what appeared to be an unassailable advantage when he won seven of the opening 10 races, but he has not triumphed in the last eight events.
Mercedes has been courting Verstappen’s coveted services, although conversations over a potential move have stalled since the German marque finalised its line-up.
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But while he has expressed that he is undecided about where he might end up, Verstappen is adamant that his next decision will prove to be his final one in the series.
“My next step, if there is one, will be my last,” Verstappen told Sky Italia.
“That could also mean that I renew my existing contract. Everything is still possible at the moment.”
The intrigue concerning Verstappen’s career prospects has heightened since Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko divulged that his contract comprises certain exit clauses.
Asked whether he could confirm that was the case, though, Verstappen was reticent on the matter, responding: “Maybe, maybe not.”
Verstappen fixated on 2024 F1 title battle
However, Verstappen has insisted that his current attention is on retaining his title this term as he goes into the last six rounds with a 52-point lead over Lando Norris.
“It’s also not something I’m thinking about right now because there’s so much I want to do better this year and everything that comes in the future is still a long way off,” he added.
“It’s not an issue right now.”
Verstappen not keen to move around
Verstappen has been with Red Bull across his entire F1 career, having begun with the sister squad – then known as Toro Rosso – before moving up to the parent team.
The three-time F1 champion has implied that such a long-term relationship will take on importance in his eventual decision, despite his desire to pursue more success.
“I have been part of this team for a long time,” he acknowledged. “Ultimately, every driver in the paddock wants to win.
“It is very easy to change teams, but I don’t want my career to be marked in this way. I don’t want to be part of four or five different teams.
“I want to build a long and stable relationship with everyone in the team and I want to feel at home somewhere.
“Changing teams is not really my thing and it is not something I want to do at this stage of my career.”
READ MORE: Helmut Marko admits ‘the danger is there’ that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull
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