Max Verstappen has revealed he was nearer to retiring from F1 than becoming a member of a rival workforce on the grid.
Pink Bull confirmed on the eve of the Dutch Grand Prix that Verstappen had signed a contract extension, preserving the four-time world champion with the workforce till a minimum of the tip of the 2030 season.
The announcement got here after months of hypothesis surrounding Verstappen’s future, with the Dutchman closely linked with a transfer away from Pink Bull.
Mercedes and McLaren had emerged because the almost certainly locations, however Verstappen has now revealed that retirement was really a extra real looking risk.
“I used to be nearer to retiring than altering groups,” Verstappen advised media together with RacingNews365.
“I prefer it right here. I feel it could be an incredible story if that had been doable, being picked up by Pink Bull and ending your profession with one workforce.
“I do not really feel the necessity to change simply to vary, and I needn’t drive in one other color.
“My favorite color is blue, in order that helps. However it could be an incredible story if that will occur.”
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All through the primary half of the marketing campaign, Verstappen has incessantly voiced his lack of enthusiasm for the new-for-2026 automobiles.
He has additionally taken challenge up to now with issues such because the increasing calendar and the usage of dash occasions, that are set to be extra frequent from 2027.
Nevertheless, Verstappen insisted he’s feeling optimistic over F1’s future, having held discussions with each F1 and the FIA.
“I’ve to say, after the primary few races, I mentioned to Laurent, ‘Do not come to me with any sort of questions in regards to the future as a result of I did not even know if I need to keep’,” Verstappen mentioned.
“However truthfully, we at all times stored it very open. I really like racing, and I had quite a lot of excellent discussions with F1, but in addition with the FIA.
“We’re slowly working in direction of one thing that turns into higher and higher.
“Additionally, from my facet, I tailored. I accepted the scenario that we’re all in, and simply attempting to make the most effective of that.
“With the yr that I signed to, it once more opens up the door, perhaps you already know when probably the V8s are available in to take a look at that once more as effectively.”
