Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen revealed that he seriously contemplated retiring from the sport or switching teams before committing to a contract extension with Red Bull through 2030. In an interview with a German publication, Verstappen discussed his internal deliberations about his future in Formula 1, confirming conversations with McLaren but emphasizing that quitting was a real possibility.

“You either quit or you don’t, so it’s a 50/50 decision,” Verstappen said. He acknowledged that while talks with other teams were taken seriously, he was ultimately closer to stepping away from Formula 1 entirely than joining another outfit. “I seriously considered calling it quits. But at the end of the day, I just love racing,” he added.

Verstappen, 28, who secured four consecutive world championships from 2021 to 2024, is facing a challenging season. After finishing second at the recent Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, he sits sixth in the drivers’ standings, trailing Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by 147 points and yet to claim a victory this year.

The Dutch driver indicated that his decision to extend with Red Bull was made independently, without external pressure. “If both parties want to work together long-term, why wait?” Verstappen said. He also noted that criticism from others did not influence him, with his primary concern being the views of his family, management, and team. “I have to be able to get along with myself, and I can.”

Verstappen stated that he no longer has anything to prove personally in the sport, having achieved his goals early. “I’m a four-time world champion, and after my first title, I’d already achieved everything I ever wanted,” he explained. He said his motivation comes from racing for himself, his team, and the fans rather than for historical records, which allowed him to reach a swift decision regarding his future.

When asked about the longevity of his career, Verstappen contrasted his prospects with that of Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, 45, who continues to compete into his mid-40s. Verstappen expressed uncertainty about racing at an advanced age, stating, “I’ll keep racing as long as I enjoy it,” but did not expect to compete into his 40s.

The Formula 1 season will resume in two weeks with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.