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Max Verstappen’s potential departure from Formula 1 in the coming years may not be final, David Coulthard says.
Verstappen cast his long-term F1 future into doubt when he strongly criticised the new generation of cars during pre-season testing. He said the sport had become ‘Formula E on steroids’.
The Dutchman has already suggested that he will have a shorter career than drivers like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, partly because he wants to pursue other racing interests. Verstappen became a father last year, which could also be a factor in his decision.
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One journalist believes Verstappen’s departure is ‘more likely than ever’ when his contract expires in 2028. While he now values enjoyment above statistics, he plans to honour that deal at the very least.
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Speaking on a recent episode of the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard said Verstappen wasn’t bluffing when he talked about walking away from F1 relatively early. He will only be 31 when his aforementioned contract expires.
However, Coulthard wouldn’t rule out Verstappen returning to the sport at a later date, potentially after ‘a few years’ in a different series. The current rules cycle is expected to end in 2030.
After a nominal retirement at the end of 2018, Fernando Alonso competed in endurance racing and the Indy500 and then came back to F1 with Alpine in 2021.
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Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen pivoted to the World Rally Championship in 2010 but an offer from Lotus enticed him to return to the F1 grid in 2012.
“I do sincerely believe that what he’s saying is correct,” Coulthard said of Verstappen. “Let’s not put to one side that he could go off to do GT racing or Le Mans for a few years like Fernando Alonso did and then come back to Formula 1.
“Kimi Raikkonen stepped away from Formula 1, came back with Ferrari. These guys can have a career for 25 years. My generation, if you did 10 years, that was considered good.”
Which F1 drivers have won titles after taking a break?
Verstappen has already raced a GT3 car at the Nurburgring and has expressed an interest in competing in the 24-hour race at the iconic circuit.
One member of his entourage suggested last year that Verstappen could take a sabbatical as early as 2026, though this was quickly denied.
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher made a comeback in 2010 with Mercedes, having initially retired as a Ferrari driver in 2006. His final three years in the sport were forgettable, featuring just one podium finish.
However, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost both won titles during their second stint in the sport. Lauda took a break between 1979 and 1982 but regained the crown in ’84 with McLaren.
Prost sat out the 1991 season after he was sacked by Ferrari, but made a triumphant return in the ’93 Williams before retiring for good.
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