Helmut Marko has claimed Max Verstappen doesn’t care about title records, racing just for the love of the sport.
Max Verstappen won his third Formula 1 world championship title in 2023 with second place at the Sprint race in Qatar.
What sets Verstappen apart, however, is his unique perspective on the sport, as he revealed he is motivated by “fun” rather than the pursuit of titles.
Verstappen won the Qatar Sprint, with six Grand Prix still to go, cementing his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
He celebrated his victory by winning the Qatar Grand Prix, cementing his claim as the best driver on the grid this season. This remarkable win marked Verstappen’s 14th of the year, moving closer to his own record of 15 wins in a season set last year.
The Dutchman’s success has raised questions about how long his Formula 1 dominance will last.
Verstappen admitted that much of it depends on Red Bull Racing and the quality of the car they provide.
He said: “It also depends a lot on the package, right?
“This is how Formula 1 works. Personally, I’m still young even though I’ve been in F1 for a while.
“Yes, definitely, I still have a few years ahead of me to be at my best.”
However, Verstappen added a convincing twist, insisting that his longevity in the sport ultimately depends on his own desires.
“Honestly, I think it depends more on how long I want to stay here,” he commented.
“It’s different.”
This statement sparked speculation that his current contract with Red Bull Racing, which runs until 2028, could be his last.
When Verstappen’s sentiments were presented to Red Bull Racing’s advisor, Helmut Marko, he shed light on the driver’s perspective.
Marko asserted, “It only means that he will continue as long as he still has fun in Formula 1 and that he does not care how many titles it will ultimately be.
“When he no longer enjoys it, he will leave.
“That will be his decision.
“He is a fantastic driver, but if he is no longer motivated, there is no point in continuing.”
Looking ahead to the next season, Marko emphasised the competitive nature of Formula 1, stating, “Formula 1 is an extremely competitive environment.
“Next year will be a new season.
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