Max Verstappen rules out F1 return after retirement

Max Verstappen has ruled out returning to Formula 1 in a management position once he retires as a driver in the category.

The four-time world champion is currently contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028 and has made it clear that he wants to compete in sports cars before his peak years pass.

While it is entirely possible that Verstappen signs another new F1 deal, it is extremely likely that he will have moved on from Formula 1 by his mid-30s.

Verstappen has given every indication that this will be the case, with the 28-year-old having not hidden his intent to compete in the World Endurance Championship.

Once the Dutchman moves on from Formula 1, returning is not on his agenda in any management position.

When the Red Bull driver’s career is over, his sights are already set on continuing to support simulator racers making the step into the real world.

Asked on TAG Heuer’s On the Racetrack if he is passionate about anything outside of racing, Verstappen comically replied: "Racing. But not racing — not even necessarily myself. For example, one of my goals is to bring a simulated driver into the real world.

"That happened this year already, and he’s doing very well. I just want to try to grow that project naturally, because that is definitely something that I enjoy a lot.

"And, yeah, outside of Formula 1 in the future as well, because while I like being in F1 as a driver, I don’t think I would ever come back to F1 in a management role, let’s put it like that — but in a different kind of category, more like endurance racing.

"Yes, I do see that happening and creating opportunities for young drivers who do not have the funds or, you know, the means to get into a real racing car, to try to make that step from the simulator world as well."