Max Verstappen Rules Out F1 Management Role After Retirement

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has made it clear that he does not intend to return to Formula 1 in any management capacity once his driving career in the category comes to an end, despite remaining open to continuing his racing career elsewhere.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion is currently under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2028 season. However, Verstappen has repeatedly indicated that his long-term ambitions extend beyond Formula 1, with a strong desire to compete in sports car racing before his peak competitive years pass.

While a future contract extension in Formula 1 cannot be ruled out, Verstappen is widely expected to step away from the championship before reaching his mid-30s. The 28-year-old Dutchman has been explicit about his interest in racing in the World Endurance Championship, underlining a clear intention to explore endurance racing once his Formula 1 chapter concludes.

Verstappen has also drawn a firm line regarding his post-driving relationship with Formula 1. Returning to the sport in a management or executive role is not part of his plans, with his focus instead shifting toward supporting alternative pathways for emerging racing talent.

Speaking on TAG Heuer’s On the Racetrack, Verstappen explained that his passion for racing goes beyond his own participation behind the wheel.

“Racing. But not racing — not even necessarily myself,” Verstappen said.

“One of my goals is to bring a simulated driver into the real world.”

He revealed that this ambition has already begun to materialise, with a simulator driver making the transition to real-world competition during the current season and showing encouraging progress.

“That happened this year already, and he’s doing very well,” Verstappen added.

“I just want to try to grow that project naturally, because that is definitely something that I enjoy a lot.”

Verstappen reiterated that while he remains committed to Formula 1 as a driver for now, his future involvement in the sport will not extend beyond the cockpit once he retires.

“In the future, outside of Formula 1 as well,” he said.

“Because while I like being in F1 as a driver, I don’t think I would ever come back to F1 in a management role. In a different category, more like endurance racing, I can see that happening.”

He also highlighted the broader purpose behind his simulator-to-reality initiative, which aims to create opportunities for talented drivers who lack the financial backing traditionally required to progress through junior racing categories.

“Creating opportunities for young drivers who do not have the funds or the means to get into a real racing car,” Verstappen concluded.

“To make that step from the simulator world into real racing.”

With his priorities clearly defined, Verstappen’s comments reinforce the view that his long-term future in motorsport will centre on competition and talent development rather than leadership roles within Formula 1’s management structure. As his driving career evolves, his influence on the sport may ultimately be felt more through alternative racing disciplines and grassroots pathways.