The Dutch champion opens up about his F1 future, life as a father, and his bond with Red Bull: “I don’t know when I’ll stop, but as long as I’m enjoying it, I’ll stay on track.”
Max Verstappen isn’t planning to quit anytime soon — but he’s also not thinking too far ahead. In an interview with the New York Times, the reigning World Champion shared reflections on his future, his family, and what Formula 1 really means to him.
“It’s not about the money,” Verstappen began bluntly. “Some people stay in F1 just to make more money, but for me, that’s not the point. What matters is the hunger to win, the desire to give everything. That’s what keeps you going.”
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Currently leading the championship, the Dutchman explained that for some drivers, the goal is simply to get the most out of the car they’re given. “But as long as I can give my best, work with people I enjoy being around, and have fun — I’ll keep going. If you ask me when I’ll stop… I don’t know. At 32? 35? 36? It’s impossible to say.”
Verstappen also spoke about his private life, especially his relationship with Kelly Piquet and her daughter Lily, “Becoming a father didn’t slow me down. On the contrary, living with a child teaches you a lot — you learn to manage time, priorities, and understand what truly matters.”
“I spend all my holidays with them, but I do miss the little everyday things — the quiet evenings, weekends on the couch… I hope one day I can go back to that kind of normal life.”
The press conference gag: “I could be dead tomorrow…”
Finally, in the press conference, Verstappen joked with reporters when asked about his future with Red Bull: “Leaving the team? Who knows. I might not even wake up tomorrow…”, he said with a laugh. “Life is unpredictable. But for now, I’m really happy where I am.”
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing
