2026 F1 Cars Could Push Verstappen Toward Endurance

Max Verstappen’s F1 future hinges on the 2026 car experience, with Endurance racing potentially on the horizon if satisfaction wanes.

More than the possibility of securing his fourth F1 title this weekend in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen’s future was once again a major topic in questions posed to the Red Bull driver today.

He has indeed hinted that he could step away from F1 when his current contract with Red Bull expires—or even earlier—with a potential focus on Endurance racing.

So, how does he plan to decide when it will be time to say “stop” to F1? Verstappen reveals he already has an initial idea: the enjoyment he will or won’t find driving the 2026 F1 cars.

“For now, I have a contract until 2028. I’ll be 31 by the end. Of course, that’s still very young, but I started at 17. It’s a long time in Formula 1.”

“For me, it will depend on how the new cars are to drive starting in 2026. Are they enjoyable to drive? If so, that can offset the number of races and the time spent away from home. It’s demanding.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re very successful or not. For me, that doesn’t matter. Of course, we’ve already achieved a lot in Formula 1.”

“For me, it’s not about staying to prove myself. I don’t have that desire to win eight or nine titles to be the GOAT.”

“I’m very open-minded at the moment. I’m saying to myself, ‘Let’s see, let’s wait for the real 2026 car to arrive, see how it drives, and go from there.’”

“It’s not just about the driving experience; it’s the whole package, how everything comes together. I’m not really stressed about my future. I want to enjoy it, and of course, I want to do well. I want to win. But it’s also about appreciating what you do.”

Verstappen emphasizes that he is “happy” with what he is doing in F1. Yet, as a pure motorsport enthusiast, he admits he also has a wandering eye and can see the appeal of competing in other series.

“I also want to do other things, and at some point, I want to race less. Naturally, when you do an endurance championship, it’s a bit less demanding. The single event that is Le Mans is more intense—it lasts 24 hours—but you have more free time, and you can plan your schedule a bit better.”

“For most of the year, every week, you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s perhaps a bit more relaxed, and maybe you can enjoy life a bit more outside of racing.”