Max Verstappen has admitted that he is “closer to the end” of his Formula 1 career, insisting he intends to enjoy life outside the cockpit amid displeasure at the sport’s new regulations.
The Dutchman enters 2026 still highly-regarded as the best driver on the grid, as he seeks to regain his crown from Lando Norris, who ended his four-year stint as World Champion.
With the sport entering a new era of regulations, Verstappen has been characteristically forthcoming in his views, saying the new 50-50 hybrid engines remind him of “Formula E on steroids.”
There is concern from some circles that the new regulations might drive the 28-year-old away from the sport, particularly as there has always been a distinct lack of interest from Verstappen in breaking records or meeting goals for further success.
And in Bahrain during pre-season testing, Verstappen was asked where he feels he is right now in terms of his career path.
“Definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure,” he laughed.
“Honestly, 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 with my family and really spend time with them before they are also not there anymore. That’s something that over time and realisation, I start to see.”
‘I don’t care if I win four or eight’ – Max Verstappen nonplussed about F1 success
Verstappen continued that ensuring he spends precious time with his family is a big important factor for him personally, and cited recent events outside racing that has made him realise this more.
“Last week, I was skiing with good friends and family and my sister’s boyfriend, they’re getting married, so I realised, like, this is fantastic, being able to spend a few days together and appreciate life, for sure,” he said.
“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 racing a car. So I want to also just appreciate life and what is out there.
“So, yeah, we’ll see. Maybe I sound a bit dramatic now, but I just don’t want to keep hunting or keep trying to live only for racing.”
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