Verstappen: I was closer to retirement than to changing teams.

      The news that Max Verstappen's collaboration with Red Bull Racing will continue until 2030 has, of course, sparked huge interest among the press accredited at the Dutch Grand Prix, and today in Zandvoort, a press conference was held with the four-time world champion and Laurent Mekies, the head of his team.

      During it, Max admitted that he would rather retire from Formula 1 than switch to another team, although there have been many rumors and gossip about this topic over the past year and a half.

      "I was closer to retirement than to changing teams," Max stated at the press conference. "I enjoy working at Red Bull Racing. I think it would be a great story if I could end my career at Red Bull, as this team chose me at one time, and I only race here.

      I don't feel the need to change just for the sake of changing; I don't need to get behind the wheel of a car of a different color. Blue is my favorite color, and that helps too."

      In the past, Verstappen has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing number of races in the championship calendar, the growing number of sprint events, and this year he is unhappy with the new technical regulations, which have significantly changed the nature of racing on the tracks. However, Max assured that he now has quite positive expectations regarding the future development of Formula 1.

      "I must admit, after the first few races, I told Laurent: 'Don't ask me any questions about the future because I don't know if I want to stay in Formula 1 at all,'" commented the four-time world champion. "But, to be honest, we have always been ready to consider any possible scenarios. I love racing; I have had quite a few very good conversations with the management of Formula 1 and the FIA.

      We continue to work, gradually moving in the right direction, and everything is gradually improving. Moreover, I have also adapted. I have accepted the situation we are all in as it is and am just trying to achieve the best possible results.

      Since my contract has been extended for another five years, this opens a window of opportunities, as V8 engines could potentially return, and I want to see that."