Verstappen dismisses championship discussions as focus changes.

      Max Verstappen states that his life beyond Formula 1 has become more significant to him than the pursuit of additional world championships. The four-time champion begins the 2026 season without the number 1 on his car for the first time since 2021, having lost last year's title to Lando Norris. However, Verstappen maintains that he is at ease with this shift. "That's life; it happens in Formula 1 and in other series that people aren't champions forever," he told Kicker. "It's not an issue for me, and I don't have exclusive rights to the top position."

      Instead of the champion's number, the Red Bull driver will compete with number 3 in 2026. Despite his competitive edge, Verstappen acknowledged that he now places a higher value on family life than on titles. "I've always wanted this because I've seen how wonderful it is," he stated, referring to his experiences as a father. "It's far better than winning a race or a championship. Watching children grow is the best." Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed a daughter last year, and he has a close bond with Piquet’s daughter Penelope from her former relationship with Daniil Kvyat.

      The Dutchman shared with GQ Australia that his perspective on racing has matured with age. "I’ve accomplished a lot, and while I would like to achieve even more, at the same time - it might sound a bit odd - I just want to have a good time," he said. "I want to enjoy what I'm doing most because that’s what I fell in love with as a kid—just having fun with driving and racing."

      He acknowledges that his approach on the track has evolved compared to his early years in the sport. "When I was around 17 or 18, I just wanted to go fast. I wanted to always be at maximum speed," Verstappen explained. "Now, you build up to it a bit more. You gain perspective from the experience that helps you know when to push and when not to."

      Reflecting on one of his best qualifying laps, he shared: "Last year at Silverstone, after sectors 1 and 2, I knew I was on a very good lap. I saw on the screen how much ahead I was compared to everyone else, so I eased off in the final sector to avoid making any mistakes." He contrasted this with a previous costly moment in his career. "I was doing really well, and then because I tried to push a bit too much in the final corner, I hit the wall," he recalled about a qualifying lap in Jeddah in 2021. "It’s all about knowing your limits and sometimes playing it a bit safe."

      Verstappen also expressed enjoyment in engaging with the new generation of drivers entering Formula 1. "It’s a bit refreshing to talk to them," he remarked. "They’re generally quite friendly, and I can relate to them well." However, he hinted that he may not be around indefinitely as the next generation comes in. "I hope to be there to witness the new generation arriving in F1," he said. Looking forward, he encapsulated his outlook with one word: "Evolution."