Max Verstappen revealed that he seriously considered retiring from Formula 1 before renewing his contract with Red Bull until the 2030 season.
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The former 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 farewell from both the team and the category.
Speaking to Bild, the four-time F1 champion confirmed that he had talks with McLaren. “You need 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 was to retirement, he laughed and replied, “Either you stop or you don’t; it’s a 50/50 decision. I seriously considered ending my career. But, in the end, I just love racing.”
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“I am a four-time world champion and, after my first title, I had already achieved everything I ever wanted. I don’t race for the history books, but for myself, the team, and our fans. That’s why the decision was made quickly. If both parties want to work together long-term, why wait?” he said.
“Criticism doesn’t 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.
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