Verstappen ‘seriously considered’ quitting F1

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has revealed he seriously contemplated quitting the sport or switching to a different team before agreeing to a contract extension with Red Bull last month. Speaking to German publication Bild, Verstappen, who signed a deal through 2030, discussed his thoughts on retirement and confirmed his conversations with McLaren.

While he admits he was closer to leaving F1 than signing with another team, the 28-year-old emphasized that his love for racing ultimately led him to stay. Verstappen, who has won four consecutive titles from 2021-24, is currently sixth in the drivers' standings after finishing second in the Spanish Grand Prix but has yet to secure a win this season.

He stated that he didn't sign his new deal with Red Bull due to external pressure, and he doesn't care about critics' opinions as long as he is satisfied with his decision. Verstappen believes he doesn't have anything left to prove to himself in F1, having already achieved his goals as a four-time world champion. Unlike older drivers like Fernando Alonso, Verstappen doesn't anticipate continuing his career into his 40s, but he plans to race as long as he enjoys it. The F1 calendar returns in two weeks at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.