Verstappen ‘seriously considered’ quitting F1

Max Verstappen has reportedly contemplated quitting Formula 1 or switching to another team before recently extending his contract with Red Bull. The four-time world champion, who signed a contract extension through 2030, revealed his thoughts about retirement and his talks with McLaren in an interview with German publication Bild.

Verstappen admitted that while he considered leaving the sport entirely, ultimately, he decided to continue racing. The 28-year-old explained that the decision to quit was a 50/50 choice between quitting or staying in F1, but his love for racing was the deciding factor. Verstappen, who has won four consecutive F1 titles from 2021-24, currently sits sixth in the drivers' standings after a recent eighth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix.

He stated that the new Red Bull deal was not signed due to any external pressure and that his decision was made swiftly as he was content with his current situation. Verstappen emphasized that the only thing that mattered to him was his happiness and the satisfaction of his family, management, and team. He also mentioned that he doesn't expect to continue racing in his 40s and that he will keep racing as long as he enjoys it. The F1 season resumes in two weeks at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.