Max Verstappen 'not really thinking about' F1 future

Field Level Media|published: Tue 15th October, 11:47 2024

Formula One: Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

Oct 22, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen (1) of Team Netherlands waves to the crowd after the 2023 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Max Verstappen said he isn't thinking about his Formula One future beyond the current season with Red Bull Racing.

The three-time world champion and current F1 points leader reportedly has exit clauses in his deal with Red Bull that would allow him to change teams in 2026, two years before his contract expires.

"Yes, of course, I know it's possible (to leave), but I'm not really thinking about it right now. I think at the moment I have enough to worry about with other things we want to do better," Verstappen said in an interview published by Motorsport on Tuesday.

"We will see what happens in the future. At the moment, I am not really thinking about it too much, to be honest. But if it doesn't happen, then so be it. It won't change my life."

Verstappen, 27, has won seven races this season but none since the June 23 Spanish Grand Prix. The F1 campaign returns from a monthlong break this weekend at the United States GP in Austin, Texas.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made his interest in Verstappen clear. Aston Martin is another potential landing spot for the Dutch driver.

--Field Level Media