Max Verstappen, the undisputed force in Formula 1, may be gearing up for a stunning exit from the pinnacle of motorsport if his interests shift toward GT racing, according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. With four world titles under his belt and a contract with Red Bull until 2028, the 27-year-old’s future in F1 is increasingly becoming a hot topic of speculation.
Frustrations Mount for Verstappen Amid FIA Tensions
Verstappen’s 2024 season, though another testament to his brilliance, was marred by controversial penalties and a headline-grabbing swearing saga. These incidents have seemingly strained his relationship with the sport’s governing body, the FIA. Despite his frustrations, Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull remains unshaken. Horner, however, believes that Verstappen’s love for F1 is the only thing keeping him in the sport.
“As long as he still enjoys what he does, he will continue to do it,” Horner explained. “But as soon as that enjoyment disappears, he is strong enough to say, ‘I’m going to drive GTs next year.’”
“F1 Doesn’t Define Him”
Horner highlighted Verstappen’s unique outlook on racing. Unlike long-serving drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized that Formula 1 does not define his identity. Instead, he has interests outside of F1 and has hinted at his desire for a life beyond the relentless grind of the sport.
“He does not see himself as the next Alonso or Hamilton, staying in the sport for another fifteen years,” Horner said. “Max has a clear idea of what he wants, and his interests extend far beyond F1.”
Family Life and Future Ambitions
Adding to the intrigue is Verstappen’s personal life. The Dutchman recently announced that his partner, Kelly Piquet, is expecting their first child. This life-changing milestone could be a key factor in Verstappen’s decision to step away from the high-pressure environment of Formula 1 to focus on his growing family.
Verstappen has also hinted at his fascination with endurance racing and GT cars, a domain where he could continue to showcase his racing prowess without the relentless demands of F1. As Horner put it, Verstappen’s willingness to make bold career moves underscores his exceptional character: “He’s quite unique in that respect. He’s strong enough to walk away if he feels it’s the right thing for him.”
What’s Next for Verstappen and Red Bull?
Despite Red Bull’s struggles with performance in 2024, Verstappen’s on-track dominance has never wavered. The team is expected to bounce back stronger in 2025, but Horner’s comments suggest that even a competitive car may not be enough to keep Verstappen in the sport indefinitely.
For now, Verstappen remains focused on the 2025 season, poised to add to his already remarkable legacy. However, his long-term future hangs in the balance, with both fans and rivals speculating about when, not if, he will trade F1’s apex speeds for GT racing’s endurance challenges.
A Future Beyond F1?
Whether Verstappen eventually steps away to embrace a slower-paced, family-oriented life or transitions to endurance racing, his legacy in Formula 1 is already cemented. For now, the world will watch as Verstappen continues to rewrite the record books, knowing that his next chapter could be just around the corner.