Max Verstappen has been an indomitable force in F1 in the last three years. No other driver in history has ever enjoyed a level of dominance like this before. From 2021 to the current season, the Dutchman has won 39 races so far. Winning these many races in a matter of three years makes it not that hard to imagine a driver winning three titles.
However, he would like to continue as long as Red Bull has the fastest car. But if the 2026 regulations regarding combustion engines ruin the Austrian team’s momentum of dominance, Max might not want to wait longer in F1. Moreover, at present, Max Verstappen even fears losing hunger to race in F1.
Max Verstappen Fears Losing The Passion To Drive In Formula One
However, the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull that extends till 2028. He might not certainly wait in F1 beyond that season. On top of that, he doesn’t like the increase in number of races in a single season. Recently, Max told the media, including RacingNews365, that he sure fears losing hunger to compete in F1. However, he said he is too young at present. But at a certain stage in his life, he’ll say, “Enough.” That’s normal for any driver or sportsperson. Max Verstappen says that, like in certain sports, sometimes the body can’t handle it, and the players have to accept it. The Dutchman feels he may come to that stage at some point in his life.
Moreover, Max also feels at a certain age, drivers might want to do something else and drive less. However, he assures that he has not reached that stage yet. On the other hand, the French legend Alain Prost says Max Verstappen will be even more unstoppable in the coming years. Verstappen is one title away from entering the group of Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost. The French F1 legend spoke about Max in his column for L’Equipe, that the Dutchman achieved greatness while winning back-to-back titles. Moreover, Alain Prost says Max has lost the impatience he had while driving since he won the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Additionally, Prost believes there is no end to Max Verstappen’s dominance.
The Dutchman Might Not Stay In F1 For Very Long
At the age of 26, the Red Bull star has joined the elite group of three-time champions. The greats of the game are part of this group, including Ayrton Senna, Jackie Stewart, Nelson Piquet, and so on. As things stand, it looks like Max Verstappen can go on to win eight titles. Many months ago, Felipe Massa said Max could beat Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles before Lewis Hamilton could.
However, it is still too far away from the Dutchman. Moreover, Max Verstappen does not really care about records. A while ago, Verstappen told the media that he is not in F1 to win seven titles or even race as long as he gets to 40. That’s what the Red Bull team fears about the current triple-time champion. He might retire sooner than expected. Moreover, Max Verstappen says that he has more interest in virtual sim racing.
