Max Verstappen has admitted he was “closer to retiring than changing teams” as he explained why he has committed to Red Bull and Formula 1 until 2030.
The four-time F1 world champion has penned a four-year extension to his contract with improved terms, despite a difficult start to the 2026 campaign which sees him winless and lying sixth in the drivers’ standings.
The 28-year-old was heavily linked with McLaren and Mercedes but also hinted at retiring from the sport after 12 consecutive seasons, given his dissatisfaction with the much-criticised new generation of cars – which Verstappen had previously described as “anti-racing.”
Yet before his home race, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, Verstappen announced his commitment to Red Bull for the long-term – and admitted he had his eye on finishing his F1 career with the Milton Keynes-based team.
“I was closer to retiring than changing teams,” Verstappen said at a Red Bull press conference in Zandvoort on Thursday.
“I like it here. I think it would be a great story if that were possible, being picked up by Red Bull and finishing your career with one team.
“I don't feel the need to change just to change, and I don't need to drive in another colour. My favourite colour is blue, so that helps. But it would be an amazing story if that would happen.”
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali stated he had held talks with Verstappen over the 2026 regulations, given the much-maligned focus on energy management.
“I have to say, after the first few races, I said to Laurent, 'Don't come to me with any kind of questions about the future because I didn't even know if I want to stay’”, Verstappen added.
“But honestly, we always kept it very open. I love racing, and I had a lot of very good discussions with F1, but also with the FIA.
“We are slowly working towards something that becomes better and better. Also, from my side, I adapted. I accepted the situation that we're all in, and just trying to make the best of that.
“With the year that I signed to, it again opens up the door, maybe you know when potentially the V8s come in to look at that again as well.”
Verstappen is looking to become a four-time winner at his home race this weekend in the final iteration of the Dutch Grand Prix, which falls off the calendar next year.
