Max Verstappen has dropped a hint about his Formula 1 future, declaring he is “definitely closer to the end”.

The future of Red Bull’s four-time world champion is set to be a major talking point once again this year. Despite Verstappen signing a long-term deal until the end of 2028 back in March 2022, there are understood to be performance clauses that can see him leave the team beforehand.

Verstappen has also been openly critical of F1’s new 2026 cars, saying they are “not a lot of fun” to drive and are like “Formula E on steroids”. The Dutchman previously hinted he could quit F1 if he doesn’t enjoy the new generation of cars.

Last year, Verstappen made a winning start on his GT3 debut and has not ruled out a full-time switch to sportscars if he decides to call time on his F1 career early.

Speaking about his future on the Up To Speed podcast, the 28-year-old, who became a father in 2025, said he views his time in F1 as “definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure.

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“Honestly, like it’s a tough one. I would say of course the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in F1. Let’s say it like that. It doesn’t matter. I mean, I’m very happy with my career anyway already in F1. I can easily leave it behind. I have a lot of other projects.”

Verstappen insists that leaving a legacy in F1 does not matter to him, nor does chasing records such as the most grands prix wins or world championships.

“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 you know and that’s something that over time and realisation I start to see,” he added.

“Last week, I was skiing with good friends and family and my sister’s boyfriend, they’re getting married you know, so I realised, ‘this is fantastic’ you know like being able to spend a few days together and appreciate life for sure.

“Who cares like 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… I don’t care if I win four or eight. I mean I want to live my life. You only live once and I don’t want to spend 25 years of that in racing a car.

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“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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