Max Verstappen has established himself as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The four-time world champion Dutchman clinched his latest title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2024, adding another remarkable feat to his already illustrious career. Despite Verstappen’s immense individual success, Red Bull’s performance in the constructors’ championship was not brilliant, as they finished third, largely due to the inconsistent form of his teammate, Sergio Perez.

Perez’s underperformance led to his departure from the team at the end of the 2024 season, with Red Bull opting to replace him with former RB driver Liam Lawson. While Verstappen’s brilliant on-track talent has kept Red Bull in the spotlight, the team now faces a completely different challenge as it prepares for the 2025 season. For the first time in several years, Red Bull will face stiff competition from other top teams, including McLaren and Ferrari, who have both made significant progress in the development of their cars in 2024. With the regulations for 2025 remaining almost identical, the competition for the top spots is set to be fiercer than ever.

As the 2025 season approaches, the F1 world is eagerly watching to see how Red Bull responds to the new challenge from McLaren and Ferrari. However, amid all the talk about the team’s performance and technical developments, one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Verstappen is his future in the sport. Although his current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2028, Verstappen has hinted in recent months that he could potentially leave F1 before then, fuelling speculation about his long-term commitment to the sport.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has weighed in on Verstappen’s potential departure from F1, and his comments may come as a surprise to many. Speaking to reporters, Horner gave a frank assessment of his star driver’s mindset, shedding light on what could be in store for Verstappen in the years to come.

Horner’s comments have undoubtedly sparked discussion in the motorsport world. According to the Red Bull boss, Verstappen has a very different vision for his career compared to other long-serving drivers like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton. Horner revealed that Verstappen does not see himself staying in Formula 1 for the next 15 years, as many would expect from a four-time world champion. Instead, Verstappen is someone who wants to enjoy his career while it is still fulfilling for him.

“Max is his own boss, honestly,” Horner explained. “From the conversations I’ve had, it’s clear he doesn’t see himself as Fernando [Alonso] or Lewis [Hamilton] and he’s not going to be in the sport for the next 15 years or so.”

This prospect could signal a shift in expectations around Verstappen’s career. While F1 legends like Alonso and Hamilton have raced into their late 30s or early 40s, Verstappen’s priorities also appear to lie elsewhere. The Dutch driver has a passion for racing in various forms, such as GT cars, LMP cars, and even simulators. These interests outside of Formula 1 show that Verstappen is not solely defined by his status in the sport, and this could potentially lead him to make the decision to leave F1 sooner than many anticipate.

In his comments, Horner also highlighted Verstappen’s “old-school” approach to racing, which contrasts with the modern spectacle of Formula 1. According to Horner, Verstappen is not someone who enjoys the media circus and noise that often surrounds the sport. While he loves the competitive aspect of F1 and the thrill of racing, Verstappen’s enjoyment could fade if the pressures and distractions become too overwhelming.

“The noise and circus of Formula 1 doesn’t suit him, so as long as he’s enjoying what he’s doing, he’ll do it,” Horner said. “As soon as the enjoyment wears off, he’s got the strength of character and the personality to say, ‘You know what, I’m going to go and drive GT cars next year.’

This mindset sets Verstappen apart from other drivers who might view F1 as a lifelong pursuit. Verstappen seems more willing to walk away from the sport if the fun fades, which could make him more unpredictable in terms of his career trajectory. While this may come as a surprise to fans who have grown accustomed to Verstappen dominating the sport year after year, it also highlights his individuality and determination to stay true to what he loves.

Despite the possibility of Verstappen leaving F1 sooner than expected, Horner expressed his gratitude for having the Dutch driver on his team and hopes he will continue to race for Red Bull for many more years. However, Horner was quick to admit that no one has a crystal ball and the future is uncertain, especially with Verstappen’s unique approach to his career.

“We are very grateful to have him as our driver, and we hope that will continue to be the case for many years to come… but no one has a crystal ball,” Horner concludes.

As fans eagerly await the 2025 season, the future of Max Verstappen remains an intriguing topic. Will he continue to dominate the sport for years to come or will the lure of other racing disciplines push him away from F1 sooner than expected? Only time will tell, but for now, Verstappen remains focused on winning races and championships, something he has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of doing.