Max Verstappen Reveals the One Condition That Would Make Him Retire From F1

Max Verstappen insists belief in being the best remains essential

Max Verstappen says he would walk away from Formula 1 if he stopped believing that he was the best driver on the grid. The Red Bull Racing driver has not won the championship since 2024, with Lando Norris taking last year’s title and Kimi Antonelli securing the 2026 championship in Mexico earlier this month.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked whether he still considered himself the leading driver in Formula 1.

“I always think so,” he said. “Otherwise, I’d stop!”

Verstappen said that confidence has been part of his mindset since his debut season with Toro Rosso in 2015, when he entered the championship at the age of 17. He acknowledged that he still had considerable development ahead of him at the time, but already believed he had the potential to reach the top.

“You do have that thought, but in 2015 I also knew that I still had a lot to learn,” he said. “But I already had it in my head that I had the potential to be the best, yes.”

Red Bull recovery has revived Verstappen’s season

Verstappen’s 2026 campaign has been unusual. Red Bull began its first season using its own Ford-built power units well off the pace, and Verstappen did not record his first victory until the Bahrain Grand Prix in October. That race was moved to Sepang after the event at Sakhir was cancelled.

He has since added victories in Singapore and Mexico and moved into second place in the drivers’ standings. Verstappen is now 17 points clear of Mercedes driver George Russell.

Assessing his season, Verstappen said the performance of his car remained a decisive factor in his results.

“I think I’ve just had a good season,” he said on the year so far. “It’s just that in Formula 1, you’re also dependent on your car, of course. Lately, we’ve had things reasonably well sorted again. And then the victories come.”

Verstappen delivers another Interlagos comeback

Verstappen’s performance at Interlagos reinforced his assessment. Starting 21st after an engine penalty, he fought through the field to finish second behind Norris. He also reported a “night and day” change in the car after Red Bull switched from wet-weather tyres to slicks.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the drive after the race, saying no simulation could have forecast such a performance. Mekies added that Verstappen was “beating the sim on a regular basis”.

The result marked the third consecutive year in which Verstappen has reached the podium at Interlagos after starting deep in the field. He now has three races remaining to defend second place in the championship, with Russell and Lewis Hamilton continuing to challenge him. Red Bull is also attempting to keep McLaren behind it in the constructors’ standings battle for third.

Why This Matters

Verstappen’s comments underline how strongly his competitive identity is tied to being regarded as Formula 1’s leading driver. His recent results have also shown the importance of car performance: Red Bull’s early-season deficit limited his opportunities, while improved competitiveness has been followed by victories and a stronger championship position. The remaining three races will determine whether Verstappen holds second place and whether Red Bull finishes ahead of McLaren in the constructors’ fight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would Max Verstappen leave Formula 1 if he no longer felt he was the best?

Yes. Verstappen said he would stop racing in Formula 1 if he no longer believed he was the best driver in the field.

Who is leading Max Verstappen in the championship?

Verstappen is second in the standings. Lando Norris is ahead of him, while George Russell is 17 points behind Verstappen.

How did Verstappen finish at Interlagos?

Verstappen finished second behind Lando Norris after starting 21st because of an engine penalty.