Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the finest racers F1 has ever seen. The Dutchman brings a unique flair and mentality to the sport, which is the reason behind his success. Since his debut, the RBR sensation has earned a name for himself. However, in the 2021 season, he finally came out victorious. Since then, he has added two more world titles to his name and is on the brink of adding one more.
However, the 26-year-old has clarified that he is in no mood for a long career. He wants to race for a limited period of time while winning consistently. While the Dutchman desires to retire early, no one knows his retirement plans. Helmut Marko has revealed Verstappen’s post-retirement plans in a recent interview.
Helmut Marko Talks About Verstappen’s Future After Retiring From F1
In a recent interview with grandprix247.com, Helmut Marko shared his thoughts on the future of Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing team. Marko emphasized that he is not searching for a new Max Verstappen because Max is a unique talent. He acknowledged the challenge any driver would face being Verstappen’s teammate due to his exceptional skills and strong personality. Marko mentioned that young drivers like Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad might be ready to join Red Bull Racing in two or three years. However, he is uncertain if Verstappen will still be racing in Formula 1 by then. Marko explained that if Verstappen no longer finds joy in F1, he will likely inform the team and step away from the sport.
Despite potentially leaving Formula 1, Marko believes that Verstappen will continue to be involved in racing. According to Marko, one of Verstappen’s dreams is to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with his father, Jos Verstappen. Marko humorously remarked that he wouldn’t want to be the team principal for such a venture due to the strong personalities of both Max and Jos. Still, he acknowledged that it would be an incredible experience.
Marko’s Take On Verstappen Vs Vettel
In a comparison between Red Bull’s two world champion drivers, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, Helmut Marko highlighted their distinct approaches to racing. Marko noted that while each driver is unique and not easily compared, their methods show apparent differences. According to Marko, Sebastian Vettel is meticulous and relies heavily on technical feedback to optimize his performance. Once he has all the details, Vettel consistently delivers strong results.
In contrast, Max Verstappen is described as a more natural driver who is quick when he gets in the car. Marko emphasized that Verstappen’s passion for racing is evident in his actions, such as immediately engaging in sim racing after a grand prix. Verstappen’s intense focus on sports extends beyond racing; he knows football and other sports personalities. Both Vettel and Verstappen are known for their strong opinions and their desire to have the best car. Marko highlighted Verstappen’s unparalleled commitment and noted that, unlike many drivers, Verstappen doesn’t need any warm-up to perform at his best.
