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Max Verstappen, the current two-time reigning F1 champion recently quashed the retirement rumours surrounding him by stating that he will race until the end of his contract, at least. In 2022, the Dutchman had signed a USD 55 million a-year deal with Red Bull to race for them in the Formula 1 until 2028, after winning his first of two drivers’ championship the year prior. The retirement rumours for Verstappen initially surfaced because he had realised that he wants to do more in life than just racing.
In an interview with Viaplay, when Max Verstappen was asked about the worry among fans regarding his potential retirement, to which he responded, “No, (I will) not (retire) until the end of my contract (with Red Bull) at least.”
“I am very open and honest about this. And I think that’s better than being secretive,” the 25-year-old added.
Last year, when the Red Bull driver signed the contract to race in F1 till the age of 31, he had this to say regarding his decision and future aspirations with the team. “I really enjoy being part of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team, so choosing to stay to the 2028 season was an easy decision. I love this team and last year was simply incredible, our goal since we came together in 2016 was to win the championship and we have done that, so now it's about keeping the number one on the car long-term,” he said.
Notably, Max Verstappen is the youngest driver to win a race in F1. He achieved this monumental feat at the age of 18 years and 228 days in his first-ever race for Red Bull at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016. Also, the current Formula 1 champion sits on 37 victories in the sport at the conclusion of Azerbaijan Grand Prix last April.