Max Verstappen has made it clear that he doesn’t plan to race in Formula 1 until he’s 44, like Fernando Alonso (43). While Alonso is still performing at a supreme level, Verstappen said he doesn’t want a long career in the sport. The champion, who has already won several titles while young, shared that he plans to leave F1 earlier to focus on other interests.

Max Verstappen made his mark in Formula 1 by becoming the second youngest driver to win a world championship at 24. After amassing first title in 2021, he incredibly won back-to-back championships, ending Lewis Hamilton‘s winning stints. These achievements cemented his place as one of the sport’s brightest stars, showing his relentless drive and skill on the track.

However, as Verstappen explained, he doesn’t take any more stress about racing and prefers to relax. The Dutchman also expressed that the 24 race schedule in F1 is really hectic and doesn’t suit him. I’m more relaxed now.

I want to do other kinds of racing, also a schedule with 24 races is a lot. Max Verstappen said via a podcast While other drivers like Fernando Alonso continue racing at 43 due to passion, Verstappen takes a different approach. The Dutchman believes he has already achieved everything he set out to accomplish in F1 and looks forward to exploring other racing series beyond this.

For him, racing until an older age would be a bit too much. Verstappen feels that any future achievements, including an eighth or ninth world title, would simply be a bonus. His focus now is more on personal fulfillment rather than continuing to race in F1 for a long time.

I won’t be like that. But for me, it’s just too much [to race until late in life]. I’ve already achieved everything I wanted to, everything else is just a bonus.

Eight, or nine titles, it’s the same. Max Verstappen addedMax: I’m more relaxed now. I want to do other kinds of racing, also a schedule with 24 races is a lot.

Checo: That’s what Fernando said, right? And he’s now what, 44 years old? Max: I won’t be like that.

Checo: I can guarantee you, I know him well, he’ll not be here. Max: I… pic. twitter.

com/h2GXLXCi25— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) November 1, 2024RELATED“The other party has to change! ” Lando Norris takes a jibe at Max Verstappen following brutal on-track tussleMax Verstappen admits rivalry with Lando Norris is not making his life a ‘hell’As Max Verstappen and Lando Norris battle fiercely for the 2024 world championship, Verstappen was asked if Norris is his toughest opponent. With both drivers pushing each other to the limit in recent races, tensions are rising as the season nears its end.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via Planetf1)The Dutchman acknowledged Norris’s driving skills and talent but dismissed the idea that their rivalry is making his life difficult on track. Despite Red Bull no longer having the clear advantage, Verstappen emphasized that each race presents its own challenges. He pointed out that many factors influence the competition, making it more than just a one-on-one battle.

Lando is a very good driver, but there isn’t one big rival who makes my life hell. The teams are too close to each other for it to always be a one-on-one battle. Max Verstappen told BildRELATEDIs Ferrari on track to take first F1 title since 2008?

Verstappen’s main challenge now is defending against Norris, who is just 47 points behind. With four races and two sprints left, the Dutchman must stay focused to prevent Norris from closing the gap. The Brit has plenty of chances to score in the upcoming weekends, so Red Bull need to be strong to secure the 27-year-old’s fourth consecutive title.