Max Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The Dutchman, a four-time world champion, clinched his latest title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2024, adding another remarkable achievement to his already illustrious career. Despite Verstappen’s immense individual success, Red Bull’s performance in the Constructors’ Championship was less than stellar, 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 brilliance on track has kept Red Bull in the spotlight, the team now faces an entirely different challenge as they prepare for the 2025 season. For the first time in several years, Red Bull will be facing stiff competition from other top teams, notably McLaren and Ferrari, both of which have made significant strides in car development during 2024. With the regulations for 2025 remaining almost identical, the competition for the top spots is expected to be fiercer than ever before.

As the 2025 season approaches, the F1 world is eagerly watching how Red Bull will respond to the newfound challenge from McLaren and Ferrari. However, amid all the talk of team performance and technical developments, one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Verstappen is his future in the sport. Despite his current contract with Red Bull running until the end of 2028, Verstappen has hinted in recent months that he could potentially leave F1 before that time, fueling speculation about his long-term commitment to the sport.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has now weighed in on Verstappen’s potential exit from F1, and his comments may come as a surprise to many. Speaking to reporters, Horner gave a candid assessment of his star driver’s mindset, shedding light on what might lie ahead for Verstappen in the coming years.

Horner’s comments have undoubtedly sparked conversations across the motorsport world. According to the Red Bull boss, Verstappen has a very different perspective on 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’s still fulfilling to him.

“Honestly, Max is his own boss,” 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 perspective could signal a shift in the expectations around Verstappen’s career. While F1 legends like Alonso and Hamilton have raced well into their late 30s and early 40s, Verstappen’s priorities seem to lie elsewhere as well. The Dutch driver has a passion for racing in different 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 to his decision to step away from F1 earlier than many would anticipate.

In his comments, Horner also highlighted Verstappen’s “old-school” approach to racing, which contrasts with the modern-day spectacle of Formula 1. According to Horner, Verstappen is not someone who enjoys the media circus and the 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.

“Some of the noise and the circus around Formula 1 doesn’t suit him, so as long as he enjoys what he does, he will do it,” Horner said. “As soon as the fun wears off, he has the strength of character and the personality to say: ‘You know what, I’m going to go and drive GTs next year’.”

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

Despite the possibility of Verstappen leaving F1 earlier than expected, Horner expressed his gratitude for having the Dutch driver on his team and hopes that 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’re very grateful that he’s our driver, and we hope that remains the case for many years to come… but no one has a crystal ball,” Horner concluded.

As fans eagerly await the 2025 season, the future of Max Verstappen remains a compelling storyline. Will he continue to dominate the sport for years to come, or will the allure of other racing disciplines pull him away from F1 sooner than anticipated? Only time will tell, but for now, Verstappen’s focus remains on winning races and championships—something he has proven time and time again he is more than capable of achieving.