Max Verstappen Chooses to Follow Fernando Alonso Over Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton

Over the years, Max Verstappen made it clear that he won’t be racing in F1 for a very long time. His current contract with Red Bull lasts until the 2028 season when he will be 31 years old. According to Verstappen, that will be a great age for him to retire.

Unlike Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, Verstappen has no interest in winning seven or eight world championships. The Dutchman feels that it is a feat that he can easily achieve if he is given a car that is strong enough to win races consistently.

World Champion 2022!!!

We’ve been absolutely on it, the whole year. A season where we had a difficult start but kept it cool, bounced back and never let go. pic.twitter.com/lRX9mj1siw

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) October 9, 2022

Speaking to Formula1.com Verstappen says, “It means nothing to me to win seven or eight world championships. If you have the car for it, that’s great, of course, but I’m happy even if it doesn’t happen. ”

Verstappen went on to say that he is open to trying out other racing ventures away from the world of F1 later on in his career. This is an aspect in which he aims to follow in the footsteps of two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso.

Max Verstappen isn’t as passionate about F1 as Fernando Alonso

Alonso is one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, and when he announced that he was going to leave the sport in 2018, most people were sure of his inevitable return. As expected, he returned to F1 in 2021 at the age of 39, and two years later, is still going strong.

Despite his old age, Alonso is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he is adamant about wanting to challenge for race wins and potentially a world championship once more before he calls time on his illustrious career. Verstappen meanwhile, doesn’t think he shares the same amount of passion for F1.

Verstappen is committed to F1 until his current deal runs out, and is still very young. Nevertheless, he is sure that he won’t race in F1 for as long as Alonso has.

Verstappen drops hints on life after F1 retirement

Verstappen is just 25 years old, but already has an idea as to what he wants to do after leaving F1. Like Alonso, Verstappen wants to compete in different racing ventures around the world. The Spaniard took part in the Le Mans series and also the Indy 500, so these are races where we could see Verstappen take part in moving forward.

Another thing Verstappen mentioned in his interview with Formula1.com was that he is inclined towards starting his own team. Outside of Red Bull, Verstappen is also part of Team Redline, who take part in sim racing tournaments around the world.

Max Verstappen. Started in #F1 pretty young, all things considered. Also, recently signed a LONG contract with Red Bull.

But… will he sign another one to stay in the championship? We take a look at what he’s said so far about the situation here:

🖥️ https://t.co/X0Gq4rC5GM pic.twitter.com/IGlH6JwfTX

— The Race (@wearetherace) January 23, 2023

So far, Verstappen hasn’t given a clear timeline as to when he will leave F1. However, in recent interviews, he has mentioned that the changes that are being brought about in the sport, could make him retire much sooner than originally planned.