Verstappen’s longterm plan discussed – With Max Verstappen on the cusp of his fourth consecutive Formula 1 world championship, he has been back on the topic of his future in the sport. While fans are eager to see how many titles the Dutchman can rack up, Verstappen has been quick to set realistic expectations.
“I’m not going to do what Fernando (Alonso) did, I can assure you that,”
he told the Podpah podcast.
But what exactly is Verstappen’s longterm plan?
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Not Racing Forever
At 27 years old, Verstappen has already achieved more than most drivers dream of. However, unlike Fernando Alonso (still racing at 43) Verstappen sees a different path for himself.
“For me, that’s just too much of a good thing, I love what I do, but I’ve already achieved what I wanted to achieve personally. Everything else is a bonus.”
Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull runs until 2028, but he’s hinted that even this might not be the end goal.
“I’m not going to be around long enough to win ten or twelve world titles”
It’s clear that Verstappen prioritises quality over quantity when it comes to his racing career.
Frustrations with Modern F1
Despite his dominance, Verstappen has voiced frustrations with the current state of Formula 1. He fondly recalls the simpler days of karting, saying,
“In karting, it wasn’t that political. We just had fun, and it was about the racing.”
Modern F1, in his view, has strayed too far into politics and commercial pressures. Social media has also added its own layer of annoyance for the champion.
“Everyone is sitting on the couch and has an opinion, They can’t do anything, but they know a lot. That’s just annoying.”
The packed race calendar doesn’t help either. With 24 grands prix scheduled a year, Verstappen feels the grind. His father, Jos Verstappen, echoed these sentiments:
“The number of races in Formula 1 is becoming too much for many drivers, Max included.”
Jos Verstappen- Max’s Father on the number of races in a season.
A Different Kind of Racing
While Verstappen may not be planning a long Formula 1 career, he’s far from done with motorsport. He’s already eyeing opportunities to race in other disciplines and pursue new challenges.
“I also want to do other kinds of racing, We now have 24 grands prix a year, which is a lot. When you look back later in life, you don’t want to say that you’ve raced for 40 years.”
One area he’s particularly passionate about is sim racing. His team, Redline, is at the forefront of high-level online racing, and Verstappen wants to use this platform to help young talent.
“I want to find people worldwide and offer them the chance to drive if they don’t have the budget for it now”
Giving Back to Motorsport
Beyond sim racing, Verstappen is keen to nurture future drivers.
“I want to help young talents who don’t have the chance to start their careers like I did”
His vision is to bridge the gap between the virtual and real racing worlds, creating new opportunities for underfunded talent.
This focus on mentoring shows a softer, more generous side of Verstappen, proving he’s not just a fierce competitor but also someone who genuinely cares about the sport’s future.
Verstappen’s longterm plan – Exit Strategy
While many speculate about what Verstappen’s retirement could look like, one thing is certain: he won’t be heading to the commentary box.
“If I always give my own opinion, we can’t broadcast it on television very often, That’s why I should never become a commentator. So I’ll just go and drink gin and tonics.”
For now, Verstappen remains the unstoppable force in Formula 1. But his longterm plan? It’s not about chasing endless titles—it’s about balancing success with passion, creating a legacy beyond just numbers.
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Featured image courtesy of Red Bull Content pool – Verstappen’s longterm plan