F1 News: Max Verstappen Opens Up On Retirement - "Give Talented Drivers A Chance"

Max Verstappen talks about his goals post-retirement from Formula One.

Three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has disclosed his post-retirement plans, focusing on becoming a team principal in GT racing. His vision is to nurture and provide opportunities for talented drivers, emphasising a straightforward, performance-driven approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Future Plans Post-Retirement: Verstappen, expressing dissatisfaction with the current direction of Formula 1, hinted at a potential retirement by 2028 when his current contract with Red Bull expires. He intends to shift his focus from driving to team management, particularly in GT racing.
• Building A Legacy: Already involved in E-sports and sim racing, Verstappen aspires to create a platform for upcoming drivers. He aims to develop a team that prioritises talent and skill over social media presence and external connections.
• Leadership Style: Describing his potential leadership style as "no bulls**t" and somewhat old-fashioned, Verstappen would have a strict focus on performance and winning, steering clear of the distractions of social media and unwarranted hype.

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Max Verstappen has been vocal about his plans post-retirement. He mentioned a possible departure from Formula 1 racing as early as 2028, citing his growing frustration with the sport's current trajectory. Despite his potential exit from F1, Verstappen's passion for motorsport remains unquenched, as he looks to transition into a team principal role in GT racing.

Already at the helm of an E-sports team and a frequent participant in sim racing, Verstappen’s ambitions extend beyond the digital realm. His goal is to build a team that is both formidable and nurturing, providing a launchpad for skilled drivers. In a candid conversation with Blick, Verstappen shared:

"That is my goal. I don't necessarily want to drive myself, but I want to build something big and give talented drivers a chance.

"That doesn't mean that I want to take them into Formula 1, but I want to help them progress in racing.

"There are so many series in motorsport where you can have fun and be successful, and as a professional racing driver, you can also make a living from it. Not just in Formula 1."

Verstappen’s vision goes beyond the glitz and glamour of Formula 1. He recognises the myriad opportunities in various motorsport series where professional drivers can both enjoy the sport and earn a livelihood. He stresses the importance of performance over popularity, stating: 

"I would certainly be a no-bulls**t boss. Maybe a bit old-fashioned, because it's all about performance and not how connected you are to social media."

A firm believer in the power of merit and hard work, Verstappen concludes with a strong statement on his leadership ethos:

"I just want to win because that stops all the talk around it, and that's the most important thing for me."