Max Verstappen revealed that he seriously considered retiring from Formula 1 before renewing his contract with Red Bull through the 2030 season.
The four-time world champion’s previous deal with the team ran until the end of 2028, but he chose to commit to Milton Keynes for another four years, despite talks of a possible departure from both the team and the sport.
Speaking to Bild, the four-time F1 champion confirmed that he had talks with McLaren. “You have to take any conversation with another team seriously. But, in the end, I was closer to quitting Formula 1 than signing with another racing team,” he said.
When asked how close he came to retirement, he laughed and replied that “either you stop or you don’t; it’s a 50/50 decision. I seriously considered ending my career. But, in the end, I simply love racing.”
“I am a four-time world champion, and after my first title I had already achieved everything I had ever wanted. I don’t race for the history books, but for myself, the team and our fans. That’s why the decision ended up being made quickly. If both sides want to work together in the long term, why wait?” he said.
“I don’t let criticism bother me. I don’t care what others think of me. The only thing that matters is how my family, my management team, the team, and I feel about it. I need to be at peace with myself, and I am,” he concluded.
