Verstappen: "Contract Clear - Race Count Too High

Max Verstappen confirms clarity on his contract while voicing concern over F1’s packed race calendar, calling it excessively demanding.

Max Verstappen believes one of the worst aspects of Formula 1 is its annual race schedule.

When Sport Bild asked him to name something in the sport that “makes no sense” to him, the three-time world champion replied, “The number of races.”

“The schedule is far too packed,” added the Red Bull driver in the interview with the German magazine.

“Twenty-four Grands Prix are a burden for everyone in the paddock. Seventeen or eighteen would be a good number.”

There’s no doubt that 2024 has been an intense season for Verstappen. Red Bull has faced internal struggles and declining performance, sparking constant rumors that he might even consider jumping ship.

Asked how often he thinks about his future, Verstappen replied, “Actually, never.”

“I’m happy with what I’m doing now and want to keep doing it. I’m not looking for change. That’s why all the speculation is pointless. Ultimately, I make the final decision.”

“And right now, I see no reason to act.”

Marko has repeatedly admitted that Verstappen’s lucrative contract until 2028 includes exit clauses. Verstappen would say no more.

“I know exactly what’s in my contract and what options are available to me. It’s my responsibility to know that. You should never sign anything without knowing what you’re signing. But I generally don’t talk about my contract in public.”

Although his car is no longer the favorite, Verstappen still leads the drivers’ standings with a 47-point advantage over Lando Norris, but their friendship off-track is increasingly tested when they compete on it.

Verstappen denies that Norris is his “toughest competitor.”

“Lando is a very good driver, but there isn’t a single main rival giving me a hard time. The teams are too close for it to be a consistent head-to-head battle.”

“Every weekend is different. Some cars perform better on certain tracks than others. It’s the same with drivers.”

However, one might wonder if Verstappen would “sleep any worse” at night if Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, were his main title rival, as the young Australian is seen as having “stronger nerves” and being “tougher” on track.

“No,” Verstappen insisted. “I still sleep well.”

Dr. Helmut Marko, for his part, has written off the constructors’ title.

“We’ve lost that title. Ferrari in their current form is beyond our reach, and they might even catch up to McLaren,” he said.

It’s a view Verstappen shares.

“We absolutely need to improve our car—that’s the priority. I have a good lead on my end, but if we don’t act, it will keep shrinking. So, mathematically, the constructors’ title will only get further out of reach.”