Verstappen: 'That's why I won't stay here until I am 40'

Max Verstappen gives the reason why he prefers not to overstretch his racing career in Formula 1. The statement that the Dutchman could just quit in the king class of motorsport after the expiry of his current contract seems to sound more serious.

24 GP's is too many according to Verstappen

Verstappen has had his last official working day and has not even been on holiday yet, but in two months' time, the 2023 F1 season will already start. So the start of the driver's preparations are already planned. In conversation with De Limburger Verstappen discusses the record-breaking 2023 season to be. If a replacement event is found for the China GP, the season will consist of as many as 24 races.

Verstappen: "I've said before that this is too much and this the main reason I won't keep doing this until I'm 40. The much travelling and so on, that's just not healthy. I still really enjoy it now, but you have to give up a lot for it. That sounds crazy because of course driving in Formula 1 is a dream for a lot of people, but it really is. You are away from home and the people you love a lot. There comes a time when you are done with that."

Verstappen may stick around for a few more years

Verstappen's current contract runs until 2028. Verstappen has previously told the media that people should not be surprised if he quits Formula 1 right then. The Limburger says fans are worried about a possible (early) F1 retirement of the Red Bull Racing driver. Verstappen: "But that is really the case. When I am done with it, I stop. It's as simple as that. But for the same instance, I can still enjoy it and continue for one or two more years. As a Formula 1 driver then, you know. I will really keep racing, but then I will do other things."

Verstappen is such a celebrity in the international racing world that an entire economy revolves around him. Should the Dutchman stop racing in Formula 1, it will be a big knock on Formula 1 in the Netherlands. The Medium asks if Verstappen ever reflects on the fact that so much depends on him. Verstappen: " Do you know what I very much hope for? That as a driver I have been able to inspire and motivate the young Dutch generation in recent years in such a way that by the time I stop, there might be new talent ready to go."