Key Takeaways:
- Retirement Over Rival Move: Max Verstappen revealed he was closer to retiring from Formula 1 altogether than joining a rival team before extending his Red Bull contract through 2030.
- Uncertainty After Early 2026 Races: The four-time World Champion informed Team Principal Laurent Mekies early in the season that he was unsure if he even wanted to continue racing under the current technical framework.
- Dialogues with F1 & FIA: Constructive discussions with Formula 1 and FIA leadership, alongside personal adaptation to current regulations, shifted Verstappen’s outlook and opened the door to his long-term deal.
Max Verstappen took center stage amid speculation regarding a potential team change prior to extending his contract with Red Bull through 2030, but the driver revealed on Thursday (20) that retirement was closer to happening than a move to another Formula 1 competitor.
In a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Zandvoort, host of the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen admitted he questioned his own continuation in the category during the opening months of the 2026 season, primarily due to a lack of enthusiasm for the current technical regulations.
“I was closer to retiring than changing teams. I like it here, and it would be a fantastic story to be signed by Red Bull and end my career at a single team. I don’t feel the need to change just for the sake of changing, and I don’t need to drive a car of a different color. My favorite color is blue, so that helps,” he revealed.
The Dutchman disclosed that he informed Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies of his retirement thoughts during the first half of the year, stating that he was not even certain about his intention to continue in F1 at the time.
“I must say that, after the first few races [of 2026], I told Laurent: ‘Don’t come asking me questions about the future because I don’t even know if I want to stay.’ But honestly, we always kept everything very open. I love racing and I had many good conversations with F1, but also with the FIA. We are working step by step to achieve something that becomes progressively better,” he stated.
The four-time World Champion had previously criticized calendar expansion and the sprint race format, but noted that he began to view F1’s future more positively after discussions with representatives from the category and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
However, Verstappen also acknowledged that he needed to adjust his own mindset to handle the current F1 environment. The driver stated that he learned to better accept the characteristics of the regulations, attempting to make the most of the available conditions.
“On my part, I also adapted. I accepted the situation we all find ourselves in and I’m trying to make the best of it. With the contract I signed, it opens the doors again. Perhaps when the V8s come into play, I can re-evaluate that possibility,” he concluded.
The revelation follows a week filled with major paddock updates ahead of Round 12, including Red Bull celebrating Verstappen’s renewal through 2030, the breakdown of how the 2027 F1 grid stands following his deal, McLaren confirming Zandvoort updates for the second half of 2026, and Honda detailing its engine package upgrade for Aston Martin.
Formula 1 resumes action this weekend, August 21–23, 2026, at the Dutch Grand Prix, the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all activities in Zandvoort live on-site with reporter Leonid Kliuev.
2026 Dutch Grand Prix — Session Schedule (Local Time / CEST)
| Day | Session | Local Time (CEST) |
| Friday, August 21 | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| Friday, August 21 | Sprint Qualifying | 16:30 – 17:14 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Sprint Race | 12:00 – 12:30 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Grand Prix Qualifying | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday, August 23 | Grand Prix (72 Laps) | 15:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Max Verstappen consider joining another team before extending with Red Bull?
No, Max Verstappen stated that he was closer to retiring from Formula 1 altogether than moving to a rival team, preferring to spend his entire F1 career with Red Bull.
What caused Max Verstappen’s doubts about staying in Formula 1?
Verstappen cited frustration with the current technical regulations, calendar expansion, and sprint race formats during the early part of the 2026 season.
What changed Max Verstappen’s mind about remaining in F1 through 2030?
Positive dialogues with F1 and FIA representatives, along with a personal adaptation to work within current regulatory conditions, helped convince Verstappen to commit to Red Bull long-term.
