When Max Verstappen could retire from F1 as world champion plunges future into huge doubt

Max Verstappen has little left to achieve in Formula 1, having won three world championships already.

But aged just 26, the Dutch driver has a great deal of time to forge the career of a true great of the sport. It appears increasingly likely that Verstappen is giving himself a small window to expand upon his successes.

Red Bull's lead driver was ordered to perform "work of public interest" after swearing during a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen was found guilty of a breach of regulations after describing his car as being "f***ed".

Such actions from the FIA have done little to alter Verstappen's plans. "These kinds of things definitely decide my future as well, when you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these kinds of silly things," he said, per The BBC.

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"Now I am at the stage of my career where you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring. For me, that is not a way of continuing in the sport, that’s for sure."

But how long does Verstappen have left in the sport and why will his career been somewhat shortlived compared to the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso? Mirror Sport takes a look.

How long is Verstappen's current contract?

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028. Though even his future with the team seems far from certain.

Earlier this month, in an interview with oe24, Helmut Marko was asked about the driver's plans for 2025 and 2026. "Next year, he’ll be driving for Red Bull Racing," said Marko.

The Red Bull chief was less forthcoming beyond that point however. "Well... That’s so far away. Right now, our full focus is on the 2024 championship," he added.

What else has Verstappen said?

Verstappen's future has been the topic of much speculation this season despite the racer still leading the championship standings. Red Bull difficulties on and off the track have increased the scrutiny over the three-times world champion's position.

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The F1 star has already noted he would remain with the team for 2025 but is not currently considering whether to extend his contract. "2028 is far away," said Verstappen in August.

"In my mind at the moment, I'm not thinking about a new contract at the moment. I want to see how it goes and see the new regulations to see if it's fun or not.

"Then even in 2026 and 2027, there's a lot of time to decide what happens. I keep everything open and am quite easy-going about it."

Speaking after the Dutch Grand Prix, where he celebrated his 200th race, Verstappen admitted he is already past the halfway mark of his career. "We are past halfway for sure but it's been already an incredible ride. It doesn't feel like 200 races, but we do a lot of races in the year, so you add them quite quickly."

What are his plans for after F1?

Verstappen has expressed his desire to compete in events such as the 24 Hours Le Mans endurance race but wants to do so while still in peak physical condition. "My desire is to do Le Mans one day," Verstappen said in 2019.

"When it happens, I don't know. I'm talking to my dad as well so he needs to train a bit. Because if I want to do Le Mans I would like to do it with my dad."

It appears he already could have been foiled in his bid however. Dad Jos appears not to be interested.

Quoted by the family's official website, Verstappen.com, the 52-year-old explained: "I enjoy rallying. Let the young guys race at Le Mans. I find rallying much more exciting."

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