Rumours about Max Verstappen’s long-term future have become an almost constant backdrop to Formula 1, particularly when Red Bull is facing internal turbulence or a shift in competitive momentum. However, in a recent interview, the four-time world champion addressed the speculation directly, leaving little room for interpretation. Verstappen made it clear that, for now, his path in Formula 1 is firmly defined — and it does not involve changing teams.

 

 

Verstappen: “I’m 28 now…”

“I’m 28 now and I have a contract with Red Bull until 2028. I intend to fulfil it. At this point, I’m ruling out a change of teams,” he told the Swiss newspaper Blick.

This is one of the clearest statements he has ever made about his future, firmly shutting down talk of a potential move to rivals such as Mercedes or Ferrari.

For Verstappen, loyalty to Red Bull is not just a matter of contract. The team gave him his Formula 1 debut as a teenager and built an era around him. While rumours have intensified in recent seasons, particularly amid internal changes at Red Bull, Verstappen’s position remains unchanged. He sees no reason to disrupt a partnership that has delivered multiple championships and defined his career.

 

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A shorter Formula 1 career by choice

Despite his dominance, Verstappen does not envisage a Formula 1 career stretching into his forties, unlike Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton.

“You can’t bet on it,” he said when asked whether he would race that long. “At 40, I might still be standing in the pits as a team principal in another series.”

This outlook reflects Verstappen’s broader view of motorsport. While Formula 1 is currently central to his life, it is not the only arena that excites him. He has repeatedly expressed interest in endurance racing, GT competitions and even categories outside car racing. For Verstappen, longevity in F1 is not an end in itself.

 

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Family over records

Unlike some of the sport’s most decorated figures, Verstappen is not motivated by chasing statistical milestones. He has openly dismissed the idea of targeting seven world titles in order to match Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton.

“There’s nothing more important to me than my family and children,” he explained. “The motivation you get at home is unique.”

This perspective sets him apart in a sport often defined by relentless ambition. While Verstappen is still fiercely competitive, his priorities extend well beyond the record books and historical comparisons.

 

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Motivation beyond Formula 1

Verstappen also revealed that his hunger to perform at the highest level is fuelled by activities outside of Formula 1. Sim racing, other motorsport disciplines and even MotoGP all play a part in keeping his enthusiasm alive.

“I enjoy these kinds of adventures,” he said. “Because at some point, Formula 1 will no longer be relevant to me, but other races will be. Even MotoGP can excite me.”

This broader passion for racing helps to explain why Verstappen appears so relaxed about his long-term future in Formula 1, even though he is currently at the peak of his career.

 

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Facing the unknown of 2026

Looking ahead, Verstappen acknowledged that the upcoming 2026 regulation overhaul represents a major uncertainty, even for a driver of his calibre. With new chassis rules and power units on the horizon, he refused to speculate about the competitive order.

“We have no idea what the new car or engine will be like,” he said. “I think we’ll spend more time in the garages than on the track during the first tests, which start on 26 January in Barcelona.”

He expects to have a clearer idea only after the two Bahrain tests in February, adding bluntly: “Everyone’s still in the dark.”

 

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Reflecting on a mixed 2025 season,

The 2025 season was far from straightforward for Verstappen and Red Bull. Lando Norris and McLaren ended Verstappen’s title streak, highlighting a more competitive grid. Verstappen described the Hungarian Grand Prix as the low point of the season, admitting that “nothing went right for a whole weekend”.

Yet the response was decisive. “We pulled ourselves together as a team and had a good finale with six wins in the last nine races,” he said.

 

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NEXT ARTICLE – Cadillac Trusts AI With Its Formula 1 Future

Cadillac’s F1 Gamble: Can artificial intelligence deliver results? – Cadillac’s preparations for their highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 are progressing behind the scenes, with artificial intelligence set to play a pivotal role. The American manufacturer has announced a partnership with IFS, an industrial AI software specialist, in a move designed to help the new team operate efficiently and stay within Formula 1’s strict cost cap regulations.

For a team entering the sport for the first time in over a decade, the challenge lies in being competitive without the inefficiencies that often affect new operations. Cadillac’s decision to embed AI-driven systems from the outset signals a strategy focused on structure, automation, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term improvisation.

 

The IFS partnership covers the entire operation

Under the agreement, IFS will become Cadillac Formula 1’s official technology partner and will work with the team from March 2024. The software provider will support a wide range of activities, including supply chain management, production planning, and quality control.

These areas are becoming increasingly important in modern Formula 1, where the speed of development must be balanced against financial constraints. By using AI to monitor workflows, predict bottlenecks and optimise resource allocation, Cadillac aims to reduce waste and eliminate unnecessary manual processes. The IFS brand will also be prominently featured across team assets, including the cars, driver suits, and team apparel…READ MORE ON THIS STORY