Verstappen Contract Clear - Race Count Too High

Verstappen Slams F1 Race Load, Knows His Contract Well

31/10/2024

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.”

Verstappen: “Contract Clear, Race Count Too High Verstappen: “Contract Clear, Race Count Too High

F1 Standings 2025
F1 Standings 2025
#
Driver
Points
1
Driver Flag
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
0
2
Driver Flag
Lando Norris
McLaren
0
3
Driver Flag
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
0
4
Driver Flag
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
0
5
Driver Flag
Carlos Sainz
Williams
0
6
Driver Flag
George Russell
Mercedes
0
#
Team
Points
1
McLaren
Norris & Piastri
0
2
Ferrari
Leclerc & Hamilton
0
3
Red Bull
Verstappen & Lawson
0
4
Mercedes
Russell & Antonelli
0
5
Aston Martin
Alonso & Stroll
0
6
Alpine
Gasly & Doohan
0
F1 Calendar 2025
F1 CALENDAR 2025
Race Date
Australia Flag
Australian
Albert Park
16 Mar
China Flag
Chinese
Shanghai International
23 Mar
Japan Flag
Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
Bahrain International
13 Apr
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabian
Jeddah Street
20 Apr
FULL CALENDAR
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Race Center

Australian flag
Australian GP
13 Mar - 16 Mar
Your time Local time
FP1 13 MAR 15:30
FP2 13 MAR 19:00
FP3 14 MAR 15:30
QU 14 MAR 19:00
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