P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen flirting with the idea of F1 retirement is not something to be taken lightly, Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has claimed.
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko takes Max Verstappen’s retirement comments about F1 seriously, citing Verstappen’s desire for fun and the importance of the new 2026 regulations. Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028, but he emphasized that if the sport stops being enjoyable for him, he may not continue beyond that.
Verstappen stated that achieving seven titles is not his focus, and he has other passions outside of Formula One. He made it clear that once he decides to leave, he won’t look back or consider returning.
Marko acknowledged the possibility of Verstappen retiring early and not pursuing the records set by drivers like Schumacher and Hamilton. Verstappen, currently in contention for his fifth title, will need to maintain his performance to stay in the race for the championship.
