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Max Verstappen has stated that he “would rather stay at home or do something else” than have to race in Formula 1’s midfield pack for many years.
Both Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated the 2023 F1 season so far. In 12 races this year, the Dutchman has picked up 10 wins, with the Milton Keynes team claiming victory in all of them thus far.
To add to this, Verstappen came of a record-breaking year in 2022, winning 15 out of the 23 races and breaking numerous records along the way. However, the two-time world champion and the Austrian outfit have got even stronger this campaign.
Last month at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull made history in F1, breaking McLaren’s record that had previously stood since 1988. Verstappen would go on to claim the team’s 12th straight win.
In the most recent race before the summer break, Verstappen made it eight consecutive victories in a row for himself at the Belgian Grand Prix. He is only one win away from equalling Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine and is on track to break it at Monza.
Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has praised Verstappen, believing that he is top drawer as the Dutchman looks to equal Vettel’s record at his home race next weekend.
However, whilst Verstappen continues to stay on top in F1, there have been questions recently around his longevity in the sport after stating himself that he could go into other racing ventures in the near future. His contract with Red Bull currently runs until the end of 2028.
When asked about the new regulation changes coming to the sport in 2026 and whether this may cause the world champion to walk away from F1 sooner, Verstappen made his thoughts clear on this to Dutch paper De Telegraaf.
“Then it must be very bad and dramatic, I think. I also don’t expect a team to fall back that far, with all those good people walking around with us.”
“It can always be the case in this sport that you are not doing well as a team. Then it’s about what the outlook is and what the perspective is.”
“But indeed, I don’t see myself touring around in [the] midfield for three years. Then I would rather stay at home or do something else. But again: I don’t see that happening.”
Verstappen believes he is the best driver
Despite many people disliking Verstappen for his confidence and arrogance on and off track, the Dutchman believes that these traits are what separate the good drivers from the best.
“As a driver you should always think like that. Otherwise, you will never be successful,” he said.
“Even if you are not the best driver, you still have to radiate that and think of yourself. For example, I would never admit that I am not the best in the paddock.”
Verstappen could win his third world title in a row as early as round 18 in Qatar. With Red Bull and the Dutchman being a real force in the sport over the past season and a half, the question is who can stop them?
Feature Image Credit: (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)