Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, revealed he seriously contemplated retiring from the sport or switching teams before finalizing his contract extension with Red Bull Racing in August. The Dutch driver, who agreed to remain with the team through 2030, shared insights into his decision-making process during an interview with a German publication.

Verstappen, 28, described his considerations as a choice between quitting the sport entirely or continuing with a new challenge at another team. “You either quit or you don’t, so it’s a 50-50 decision,” he said. He acknowledged he had discussions with McLaren but ultimately felt closer to stepping away from Formula 1 than transferring to a rival outfit. Despite the doubts, his passion for racing influenced his final choice. “At the end of the day, I just love racing,” Verstappen commented.

The reigning champion, who secured consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024, has yet to win a race this season and currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings following a second-place finish at the recent Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. He trails leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes by 147 points.

Verstappen emphasized that his contract renewal was not driven by outside pressure. “If both parties want to work together long term, why wait?” he said. He also dismissed criticism aimed at him, noting that external opinions hold little weight compared to the views of his family, management, and team. “The only thing that matters is how my family, my management, the team, and I feel about it,” he stated. “I have to be able to get along with myself, and I can.”

Reflecting on his career achievements, Verstappen said he has nothing left to prove to himself after winning multiple championships. “I’m a four-time world champion, and after my first title, I’d already achieved everything I ever wanted,” he said. He explained that his motivation now rests in competing for personal satisfaction, his team, and fans rather than chasing records.

When asked about his racing longevity compared to drivers such as 45-year-old Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, Verstappen expressed skepticism about competing into his 40s. “I don’t think so, but that’s impossible to predict,” he remarked. “I’ll keep racing as long as I enjoy it.”

Formula 1 will resume in two weeks with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the calendar.