‘No way’: Verstappen opens up on Formula 1 retirement plans

Max Verstappen revealed that he has no interest in being in the Formula 1 paddock other than as a racing driver.

Despite only being 24-years-old, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has already discussed plans for his retirement, when it eventually comes around.

The Dutchman is currently into the opening years of his enormous contract with Red Bull Racing, which will see him remain in Formula 1 until 2028 at the earliest.

By then Verstappen will be 31-years-old, and has discussed in the past that he may walk away from the sport once his contract ends.

One thing that is for certain though is that when he does decide to retire from F1, there is “no way” he’ll be seen in a non-driver role.

“You will not see me again as an analyst or in a team role. No way,” Verstappen said.

“I don’t have the motivation for that. If I don’t drive myself anymore, I want to do other fun things.”

Max’s father Jos is currently racing in rallying this year, with Verstappen admitting he would like a similar hobby once he decides to retire himself, as he’d still like to be “competitive at a nice age”.

Verstappen’s approach to Formula 1 is very similar to Kimi Raikkonen, who made it very well known that once he leaves F1, he won’t be returning.

The famous Finn has recently announced that he’ll be making his return to racing in August; Raikkonen is set to race in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen, USA.

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During the interview, Verstappen echoed Raikkonen’s choice to “step away from that [racing] for a while” once he has retired.

“Your whole life revolves around racing now, Formula 1, you name it…at some point you are done with that,” explained the Red Bull Racing driver.

Whilst some drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Juan Pablo Montoya left F1 in the hunt of the triple crown, Verstappen has “no desire” to achieve the same.

The triple crown consists of winning the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Alonso has won the Monaco GP and Le Mans, whilst Montoya has won the Monaco GP and the Indy 500.

The Alpine F1 Team driver is wanting to return to the Indy 500 at a later date, to emulate what Graham Hill achieved.

Only Graham Hill has won all three, however, Verstappen has zero interest in taking a trip across the Atlantic.

“I’ve no desire to chase the Triple Crown, at least not IndyCar,” said Verstappen after finishing third at the Monaco GP.

“I appreciate what they do. It’s insane, these drivers… I have a lot of respect for what they achieve there.

“Maybe Le Mans. I do like endurance races so I will probably do some, hopefully soon, but for me it doesn’t really matter.”

Verstappen in his free-time does take part in virtual endurance racing, opening a potential door to race in actual endurance racing once he leaves F1.

For the time being though, the Dutch driver is focused solely on one thing, “to be good in F1”.

“I, of course, try to be good in F1, I try to be good in whatever I do, but that desire of the Triple Crown or whatever – not interested,” Verstappen revealed.