Max Verstappen admits he’s ‘definitely closer to the end’ of his F1 career after 2026 rule changes

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has admitted that he’s ‘definitely closer to the end’ of his Formula 1 career as the sport introduces its biggest rule change in decades.

Max Verstappen hasn’t shied away from sharing his feelings about the new 2026 Formula 1 cars during pre-season testing.

The Red Bull star has suggested that Formula 1 has become ‘Formula E on steroids’ due to the new hybrid power units, and described ‘management’ as the key buzzword that drivers will be concentrating on this year.

With Verstappen and Vettel open to the idea of joining forces at Le Mans, which driver completes your trio?

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Liberty Media aren’t massive fans of Verstappen’s comments this year, but his honesty has only made him more popular among F1 fans.

Verstappen has spoken about wanting to finish his F1 career with Red Bull, but his interests in sim racing and GT3 mean he could easily stay in motorsport once he leaves the paddock.

The Dutchman has now admitted that life away from circuits and travelling the world racing are what’s motivating him to consider walking away from driving sooner rather than later.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen ‘very happy’ with his career as he focuses on life outside Formula 1

Verstappen was asked by Naomi Schiff on the Up To Speed Podcast about where he is on his timeline of wanting to exit F1 and what he wants to do next.

The 28-year-old responded: “Well, definitely closer to the end, that’s for sure.

“I mean, honestly, like it’s a tough one. I would say, of course, the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in Formula 1. Let’s say it like that.

“But it doesn’t matter. I’m very happy with my career anyway, already in Formula 1.

“I can easily leave it behind. I have a lot of other projects. And also, I mean, who actually cares when you’re 60 or 70 years old if you have won four titles or 10 because you’re getting old, and I prefer to spend that [time] with my family and really spend time with them before they are also not there anymore.

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“That’s something that, over time, the realisation that I start to see. I mean, last week I was skiing with good friends and family and my sister’s boyfriend, they’re getting married, so I realised, this is fantastic being able to spend a few days together and appreciate life for sure.

“Who cares, trying to go 24 times a year around the world, trying to hunt for another title and when you’re 60 years old or whatever, like I don’t care if I win four or eight.

“I want to live my life. You only live once, and I don’t want to spend 25 years of that in racing a car.

“So, I want to just appreciate life and what is out there. So, yeah, we’ll see.

“Maybe I sound a bit dramatic now, but I just don’t want to keep hunting or keep trying to live only for racing, you know?”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Who should Red Bull Racing target if Max Verstappen walked away from F1 at the end of 2026?

Verstappen’s current contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, but there are invariably break clauses on both sides that could bring their partnership to an end before that.

However, if the 28-year-old decided that the new ruleset is simply too unenjoyable for him to continue, then Red Bull would quickly need to find a replacement.

It’s yet to be seen how well Isack Hadjar will adapt at Red Bull after his Racing Bulls promotion, but he’s likely to be too inexperienced for Laurent Mekies to consider promoting him to the number one seat.

Oscar Piastri has been linked with Red Bull, with many people wondering how long the papaya rules will keep him and Lando Norris happy.

If Ferrari struggle again in 2026, then links between Charles Leclerc and Red Bull could strengthen once more.

Mekies doesn’t think he needs to worry about Verstappen’s immediate F1 future, but his most recent comments suggest that he’s not interested in signing a contract extension any time soon either.