Max Verstappen says he enjoys racing and successful and the cash that comes from it – however might nonetheless find yourself asking himself whether or not System 1 “is definitely a great life”.
The Crimson Bull driver’s considerations stem from the ever-expanding schedule and F1’s trials of various codecs, such because the revised ‘dash’ in Baku this weekend.
“I at all times mentioned that even when there will not be any extra dash races, if we hold increasing the calendar and the entire weekend is that lengthy, at one level you query your self: is it price it?” Verstappen mentioned.
“I do like racing. I do like successful. I do know that, after all, there’s the wage and all the things, and you’ve got a great life. However is it really a great life?
“I believe generally you get to some extent in your profession the place perhaps you need to do different stuff.
“I’ve the contract till the top of 2028 after which we’ll overview once more, however I do really feel that if it is getting at one level an excessive amount of, then it is time for a change.”
The 2-time champion has at all times made it clear that he doesn’t particularly benefit from the ‘dash’ weekends, which characteristic a shorter race on Saturdays along with the grand prix. He prefers F1’s conventional method.
However mix this with four-day weekends, and a calendar that this 12 months will likely be a report 23 races, with probably even longer schedules coming sooner or later, and Verstappen finds himself pondering his long-term future at a time when many would possibly anticipate him merely to be loving life.
He admitted it was “a bit tough to think about what will occur previous 2028”. And he acknowledged some wouldn’t perceive why he was feeling so ambivalent a couple of long-term future in F1.
“This sounds very bizarre for individuals from the surface, as a result of they’re like: ‘Oh, you are in System 1, you are successful!'” Verstappen mentioned.
“And doubtless I might have mentioned the identical after I was of their place. However when you’re in it, it is not at all times the way it appears to be like like or how individuals suppose your life is.
“I imply, sure, it is nice, it is superb and I can do lots of issues. I am very impartial. However there’s at all times a restrict to sure issues.”
Verstappen has received the title for the final two years – controversially towards Lewis Hamilton in 2021 after which in dominant vogue final season – and is already properly heading in the right direction for a 3rd championship in 2023.
Crimson Bull seem like they may dominate F1 for the following few years – no less than till a brand new algorithm is launched in 2026.
Verstappen is claimed to be paid a wage within the area of 40-50m euros and he made it clear he was dedicated to Crimson Bull no less than till the top of his present contract.
However he mentioned he was not motivated by breaking Hamilton’s F1 data.
“No I am not focused on successful seven or eight titles,” he mentioned. “When you have the automotive to do it nice, however I’m already glad so it is OK.”
Verstappen added: “I need to do different issues, different competitions. A bit like Fernando [Alonso] did. However it additionally must be price it to return again [to F1].
“Some individuals simply love racing and that is the one factor they know and the one factor they need to do. I’m in all probability a bit extra within the center. I imply, I do love racing. However I additionally need to do other forms of racing. After which you possibly can’t mix the 2 or arrange other forms of stuff.”
He mentioned his different ambitions have been in “endurance racing” and “proudly owning my very own crew”. However he dominated out racing in IndyCars.
“I like watching IndyCar,” Verstappen mentioned. “I believe there are lots of nice drivers in there and likewise individuals I raced towards, so I’ve a great reference to them. And I like seeing them do properly.
“However me driving the Indy 500? Completely not. I’d go there and watch however not race.”
