Dutch GP: Verstappen clears up future plans ahead of milestone 200th race
Verstappen: "My career is more than halfway done".
As Max Verstappen approaches his 200th Formula One race, the Dutch sensation has unequivocally ruled out the prospect of competing in another 200, suggesting that he is more than halfway through his career.
At just 26 years old, Verstappen has consistently voiced that he does not envision enduring a career into his 40s, unlike seasoned veterans Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. His current contract with Red Bull, however, extends until 2028.
This weekend's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort marks a significant milestone for Verstappen, making his 200th appearance since debuting in 2015 with Toro Rosso, Red Bull's junior team at the time.
Responding to questions about the likelihood of racing in 200 more Grand Prix, Verstappen's answer was candid: "No. That's an easy answer.
"So we have passed halfway [in my career], for sure. It's been an incredible ride.
"It doesn't feel like 200, but we do a lot of races now in a year, so you add them quite quickly."
Currently leading the drivers' championship by a substantial 78 points over McLaren's Lando Norris, Verstappen has set his sights on securing his fourth consecutive title this season, with 10 races to go.
Verstappen’s existing contract with Red Bull was extended in early 2022 after he clinched his first championship in 2021, committing him to the team until the end of 2028.
When asked whether he intends to retire once this contract concludes—likely after more than 300 races—Verstappen remarked: "2028 is so very far away, in my mind I am not thinking about a new contract at the moment. I just want to see how it goes. Also to see about the new regulations, if it is fun or not, then in 2026 or ’27, there is a lot of time to decide what happens, so I just keep everything open. I am quite easy-going about it."
Given the current F1 calendar, which features 24 races for the 2024 season, Verstappen would need to call time on his driving career within the next eight years—well before he turns 35—if he sticks to his goal of not reaching 400 races.
As the Dutch Grand Prix beckons, all eyes will be on Verstappen not only to see if he extends his championship lead but also to appreciate a driver who is openly contemplating the latter half of an already illustrious career.
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