Verstappen remains mysterious about exit clause: 'Maybe yes, maybe no'
After the dominant 2023 season achieved by Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, it seemed hard to imagine the two ever parting ways. A lot has happened since, and it is far from certain that the Dutchman will remain with the Milton Keynes-based team until 2028. Whether the three-time champion decides to more or not, that would be his last change in the competition.
Verstappen has expressed on multiple occasions that he wants to drive for the team that have the fastest car. In recent years, that was possible at Red Bull, but currently, that is no longer the case. However, Verstappen also stressed there is much more to his decision.
"I have been with this team for a long time. It is logical that you always want to win, everyone in the paddock wants to win. Over the years you can very easily move from one team to another, but I don't want my F1 career to go like that. I don't want to be part of four or five teams. I want to build a long, stable and fun relationship with everyone in the team and feel at home there," Verstappen told Sky Sports Italy.
Verstappen: 'My next step in F1 will be the last'
"It doesn't seem like fun to change teams often. It's also something I don't want to do at this stage of my career. My next step, if it ever comes, will be my last step. But that next step could also be a contract extension with this team. That is all a matter of wait and see," the defending champion added.
"Maybe there is, maybe there isn't. I am not thinking about that at the moment because there are so many things this year that I want to try to understand and do better for the next few years. What happens after that is still far away for me. So at the moment, I am not concerned with that," Verstappen conclduded.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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Well said MAX, staying at RedBull is the best thing for you and your career. The team has been so dominant and have given Max a car that showcases his talent, why consider leaving. I look foward to Max racing at RedBull till the end of his career, that's my opinion ?
I don't think it will happen. We will rather watch it in MB or AM.
Untill Max says otherwise, sadly we have to take him by his word and he is committed to RedBull.
It seems to me that he clearly and honestly said that he wants to drive for the team that has the fastest car and that this will be the last step in his career. He is as committed as all the drivers on the grid (except Lance).
I would hate Max to have that Alonso experience. But time will tell, 2028 was his end date on that contract. The other factor isn't he longer he leaves a move the younger talents are coming through.
Without a competitive car, I don't see him until the end of his contract in RB. You are probably right about SiM Racing.
It's possible, but as per Max that's many years from now. He is more likely to keep his word and see out his contract at RedBull and move to another series. Many have said he will be the face of SiM racing and in 2028 ,who knows, SiM racing may be the bigger than F1 .
