OCTOBER 22, 2023
Max Verstappen is already working on his post-Formula 1 plans, insisting he has already achieved everything he wanted to in motor racing’s top category.
Max Verstappen, United States GP 2023
© Red Bull
The Red Bull driver has utterly dominated his third consecutive drivers’ title this year, but he is at least committed contractually to Red Bull through 2028.
I want to stay at the top now in F1,
he told DAZN in an exclusive interview in Austin. That is my dream and I want to work hard for it.
But I also have other passions,
the 26-year-old Dutchman added.
I want to do endurance racing, I want to set up my own team – probably an endurance or touring car team,
he said.
Indeed, Verstappen is already dabbling in team ownership and management, with the Redline sim racing operation but also backing Thierry Vermeulen – the son of his manager Raymond Vermeulen – in DTM.
Verstappen says his success means he is able to look beyond the F1 paddock.
Probably now I am more at peace also due to the results,
he said.
“When you are young, you dream of achieving a victory, you dream of a podium, you dream of a world championship. Well, I have already achieved all of that.
“I think my mission in F1 has already been completed, but now I want to continue at the top because I like what I am doing and I am enjoying it. But it’s different now.
Also as a person I have also grown. I am not the same as when I was 17 or 18 years old. Sometimes I still get angry, but it is more because I don’t like losing or I always want to give my best.
Verstappen said last week that the relates the most in Formula 1 to Fernando Alonso, the legendary two-time world champion who is still at the top of his game at the age of 42.
Max makes clear that he doesn’t want to emulate the Spaniard.
I won’t be in F1 at his age,
he insisted.
He’s doing very well. I talk to him to find out how he feels, what he does to stay in shape. But the logical thing is that I can’t last as long as him, although I respect him a lot.
(GMM)
