Max Verstappen makes 'difficult to estimate' call over F1 future

Max Verstappen has expressed hope he will remain in F1 "for a long time", but has equally made clear that its direction means his career path is "very difficult to estimate".

During the first of the two pre-season tests in Bahrain, Verstappen stated that his primary goal was to have fun whilst racing. His initial experience of the new cars for this season, powered by a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical energy, prompted stinging criticism from the four-time champion.

Although happy with the direction Red Bull has taken with the RB22, and its maiden power unit developed by Red Bull Powertrains, Verstappen could not help but slate the new cars for their appearance to "FE on steroids" and that they are "not Formula 1".

A fortnight on, and in preparation for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen's viewpoint has not changed.

Speaking to Viaplay, and pointed out to the Dutchman that he is a driver accustomed to driving on the limit, Verstappen replied: "Yes, that's not always the best thing right now, so you have to adapt,.

"That's not the problem. You adapt, of course, if you're smart and think things through. Is that the most fun? No, it's not."

Verstappen has reiterated that even if he has a good car beneath him this season, delivering strong results, that is not what will drive him forward.

"It has nothing to do with my results," he insisted. "At the end of the day, it has to remain fun.

"Even if you're the best in your field - and it doesn't matter if it's racing - you have to enjoy it. If you don't enjoy going to work, it won't go well for long. I think that's true for everybody. It wouldn't be nice if you didn't like doing your job."

Verstappen wants Sunday enjoyment

Verstappen made clear in Bahrain that, should he compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, he would at least be able to drive flat out.

Suggested to him that it is one of the reasons he wants to compete in that race, he replied: "Yes, but this is not just about me. Just generally."

Referencing Dutch racing legend Tom Coronel, who was in the studio with him at the time of the interview, Verstappen added: "Look, Tom, if you didn't like driving on the Nordschleife anymore, you wouldn't do it either, would you?

"Of course, I prefer to have that [pointing to a big smile on his face] at all the tracks I drive at, whether it's Formula 1 or any other car."

As to his future, whilst he has stated he will continue in F1 for the time being, he has still to indicate how long that might be.

With another three seasons remaining on his Red Bull contract, Verstappen said: "Hopefully, I will stay in Formula 1 for a long time, of course, but that is always very difficult to estimate.

"It's hard to estimate anyway, including where we stand. Hopefully, it's not too bad, but some circuits will definitely be better than others. I hope we all enjoy it a bit more on a Sunday."