Max Verstappen has revealed he was closer to retiring from F1 than joining a rival team on the grid.
Red Bull confirmed on the eve of the Dutch Grand Prix that Verstappen had signed a contract extension, keeping the four-time world champion with the team until at least the end of the 2030 season.
The announcement came after months of speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future, with the Dutchman heavily linked with a move away from Red Bull.
Mercedes and McLaren had emerged as the most likely destinations, but Verstappen has now revealed that retirement was actually a more realistic possibility.
“I was closer to retiring than changing teams,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.
“I like it here. I think it would be a great story if that were possible, being picked up by Red Bull and finishing your career with one team.
“I don't feel the need to change just to change, and I don't need to drive in another colour.
“My favourite colour is blue, so that helps. But it would be an amazing story if that would happen.”
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Throughout the first half of the campaign, Verstappen has frequently voiced his lack of enthusiasm for the new-for-2026 cars.
He has also taken issue in the past with matters such as the expanding calendar and the use of sprint events, which are set to be more frequent from 2027.
However, Verstappen insisted he is feeling positive over F1's future, having held discussions with both F1 and the FIA.
“I have to say, after the first few races, I said to Laurent, 'Don't come to me with any kind of questions about the future because I didn't even know if I want to stay',” Verstappen said.
“But honestly, we always kept it very open. I love racing, and I had a lot of very good discussions with F1, but also with the FIA.
“We are slowly working towards something that becomes better and better.
“Also, from my side, I adapted. I accepted the situation that we're all in, and just trying to make the best of that.
“With the year that I signed to, it again opens up the door, maybe you know when potentially the V8s come in to look at that again as well.”
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