'A few more years': Formula 1 champ Max Verstappen hints at retirement

Max Verstappen has hinted his current contract with Red Bull Racing could be his last.

In a new docuseries on Dutch television – Max Verstappen: Anatomy of a Champion – the 25-year-old spoke of the demands racing has on his life.

It's easy to forget Verstappen has been a regular on the Formula 1 grid since 2015 when he made his debut at just 18 years old.

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He remains the youngest driver to win an F1 race, which came in his first outing with Red Bull after Daniil Kvyat's demotion to Toro Rosso.

He is also the youngest driver to participate in an F1 weekend. He took part in practice at the Japanese Grand Prix at just 17 in 2014.

In the TV series, Verstappen indicated he may only have a few seasons left in him before he calls it quits.

"I mean, I love the driving bit, that's what I do best," said Verstappen.

"I don't like everything else around it. I just keep saying to myself, 'a few more years, a few more years'."

Verstappen is currently contracted through to 2028 on a deal that is reportedly worth $55 million. 

That would take him through to 30 and mark 13 seasons in F1. 

"Max just wants to focus on the racing," said his father, Jos Verstappen 

"He wants to compete, he wants to win. We talk about everything and you know, he has to do a lot of stuff he doesn't like. So that's how he sees it."

Verstappen claimed his first F1 title in controversial circumstances in 2021, beating Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to the crown with a last lap pass.

Red Bull nailed the new-for-2022 regulations, dominating the season.

Verstappen defeated Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, scoring nearly 150 more points than the Monegasque driver.

Three races into the 2023 season, Verstappen leads teammate Sergio Perez having won the Bahrain and Australian grands prix.