Max Verstappen has no interest in becoming the F1 ‘GOAT’ despite moving within three World Championships of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher with his instantly iconic 2024 triumph.
Statistically speaking, Hamilton can be considered the sport’s most successful driver. He has recorded 105 wins, 104 pole positions and 202 podium finishes, leaving him in a class of his own at the top of the record books.
However, on his current trajectory, Verstappen is well on the way to eclipsing Hamilton’s achievements. The Dutchman is only 27 but has 63 Grand Prix victories under his belt, 40 pole positions and 112 podiums. With the calendar now at 24 races, reaching Hamilton’s numbers is still very plausible.
Despite his immense success to date, Verstappen has no plans to extend his F1 career in the name of record hunting. “I don’t care to be honest,” he told Viaplay. “I’m very happy with what I’m doing. At the end of the day, that’s a debate with a lot of different opinions, so for me, that doesn’t matter. I just want to have fun and win as much as I can.”
While Hamilton looks set to follow Fernando Alonso into racing into his forties, Verstappen has no such plans. The 27-year-old is out of contract with Red Bull at the end of the 2028 season and has often teased that he may retire from F1 in his prime when that deal comes to an end.
Family is also playing an important role in Verstappen’s decision-making. Ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the four-time world champion revealed that he and partner Kelly Piquet are expecting a baby.
“My sister has three kids, seeing more of them as they grow up, seeing them drive those remote cars or electric cars, it reminds me a lot of when I was a kid,” he said on the Podpah Podcast.
“That makes me realise I don’t want to drive forever. I want to see them grow up, maybe see my own kids grow up and spend time with them.” Before he calls time on his motorsport career, Verstappen also plans to race in a series outside of F1.
The Red Bull star has long been interested in competing in the World Endurance Championship and has openly discussed putting together a 24 Hours of Le Mans programme with close friend Alonso.
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