Verstappen: I already miss my family very much.

      In an interview with The Athletic, a sports publication that also publishes the New York Times, Max Verstappen listed the factors that influence his mood and on which his desire to compete in Formula 1 depends.

      Max Verstappen: "Sometimes people probably do it to make more money, but ultimately, that's not a priority. We compete in the championship driven by the thirst to win — that's what matters. Someone without a car capable of winning races just tries to get the most out of the machinery, so I believe this: as long as I can do it, as long as I work with people I enjoy working with, I will continue racing.

      I don't know when it will end. When I turn 32? 36? I don't know. It's impossible to predict."

      Max will turn 28 at the end of September, which, according to his words, means he intends to dedicate at least another five or six years to Formula 1, though he also admits that with so many races on the calendar, he lacks time to communicate with loved ones.

      "It seems to me that I already miss my family very much," emphasized the four-time world champion. "I spend holidays with them, but sometimes I want to go somewhere for the weekend or just lazily lie on the couch — I miss these moments. It's simply impossible given my lifestyle. I hope I can someday make up for it...

      But for now, race performances bring me pleasure. It's not all fun, but the most important thing is that I enjoy driving the car... Although, of course, if I no longer have a real chance to fight for victories and have to settle into the middle of the pack, this pleasure will disappear very quickly...

      When something disappoints me and the team hears it, it also affects them. They think: "Okay, Max is angry, better not approach him." Then the atmosphere becomes a bit more tense. Meanwhile, you have to try to motivate everyone and support them, which isn't always easy, especially if our team recently dominated and now we have lost some ground...

      Right now, everyone is asking: what awaits us in 2026? I only hope I will be in the right team. I'm not saying, "I hope to be lucky enough to land in the right team," although, in a way, a bit of luck is involved here. Because if you're a good driver, and your team suddenly improves, then you realize you have a chance to fight for wins. That's how Formula 1 works...

      I know how much effort it took for me to become who I am today. I know what I have achieved in our sport, and I prefer to focus only on myself and my close ones — my team and my family. What I need to do on the track, I do, but besides that, I simply live my life, and I have my hobbies. But I don't let them distract me from my work..."