Helmut Marko leaves no room for doubt: Red Bull is not taking Max Verstappen‘s recent comments about a possible retirement lightly. According to the senior advisor, the Dutchman’s words should be taken literally, especially now that Verstappen himself has indicated that the regulatory changes for 2026 could determine his future in the sport. After all, he still has plenty of other ambitions within motorsport.
During the race weekend in Qatar, Verstappen made it clear once again that he would not hesitate to leave Formula 1 if he does not like the new cars. “My contract runs until 2028, but my future depends on the new rules in 2026, and whether they are fun,” he announced to PA news agency. “If they’re not fun, I can’t imagine I’ll be hanging around here much longer.”
Verstappen emphasized that he is not in the sport to chase records. “Winning seven titles is not on my list,” he added. The Dutchman has won four world championships in recent years, but the record is held by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton; both were crowned champions seven times. “I know I have three more years after this season, so on paper, I could win seven,” said Verstappen. “But it’s not something I have to do before I leave the sport. I could easily stop tomorrow.”
Taking it Seriously
His other hobbies within motorsport and his young family also play a role. “I have many other passions, also in other racing categories,” Max Verstappen explained. “I want to spend more time with my family and follow my own schedule. And I know that once I close this chapter, it’s truly closed. I can’t imagine stopping and then coming back. When I stop, I really stop.”
Red Bull’s top advisor, Helmut Marko, takes these statements very seriously. “It would be quite an early retirement for him (Verstappen),” he joked with the German branch of Sky Sports. “But yes, it’s something to take seriously,” he continued gravely. “He is someone who needs to feel good and have fun. Max has already achieved so much and is not the type who wants to match the records of Michael Schumacher and Hamilton. I wouldn’t blame him if he said: ‘Thank you, this was it.'”
