Max's Shocking Admission: "I Was Closer to Retirement Than Changing Teams"

Pulse Sports Team 12:21 - 20 August 2026

During a media event held before the Zandvoort race weekend, Max Verstappen admitted he had considered retiring from the sport rather than moving to another team while discussing his contract extension with Red Bull.

With this, the Dutchman brought an end to one of the longest-running transfer sagas in modern Formula 1 history. He confirmed his commitment to Red Bull for an additional two years, extending his contract until 2030, rather than the previous term until 2028.

Verstappen revealed to the media that he was more inclined to consider retirement than a transfer. After the first few races of the season, he even told Laurent Mekies not to bother him with questions about his future, as he wasn't sure if he wanted to continue in Formula 1. Nevertheless, discussions between the two continued.

"I think I was closer to retiring than changing teams. I have to say, after the first few races, I told Laurent, 'Don't come to me with any questions about the future because I don't even know if I want to stay.' But honestly, we always maintained a constant dialogue," Max explained.

Verstappen emphasized that his passion for racing remains strong. He disclosed that he had several positive conversations with both Formula 1 and the FIA, noting that gradual progress is being made to improve the sport. The Dutchman has also adapted and accepted the current situation, and his new contract could potentially allow him to re-evaluate his future if V8 engines are reintroduced.

"I love racing, and I think I've had very good discussions with F1, but also with the FIA. I think, let's say, we're slowly working towards something that's getting better and better. So, from my side too, of course, I've adapted, I've accepted the situation I think we're all in, and I'm just trying to make the best of it. I also think that with the year I've signed until, it opens the door again, maybe, you know, when the V8 engines eventually come, to look at that again."