Verstappen rules out F1 return in management role following retirement

12:00, 04 Feb

byOwen Bradley

Max Verstappen has ruled out a return to Formula One in a management role, once the Dutchman finishes his career in F1 as a driver.

"While I like being in F1 as a driver, I don’t think I would ever come back to F1 in a management role, let’s put it like that — but in a different kind of category, more like endurance racing."

- Max Verstappen

Verstappen comes into the 2026 F1 season with Red Bull Racing, who have been working closely with Ford to develop their own engines for this season. The 28-year old comes into his fourth F1 regulation change, and is now one of the most experienced and accomplished drivers on the grid.

Alongside his efforts in F1, the Dutchman also runs his own GT3 racing team that participates in various GT World Challenge races and championships. Verstappen himself, is currently eyeing a potential chance to race in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May 2026.

However, despite Verstappen becoming an accomplished driver in his own right, he has ruled out any sort of return to F1 as a manager, instead choosing to focus his efforts on sportscar racing, in his post-F1 career.

Max Verstappen comes into the pits at the Nordschleife

Read also

Speaking about if is passionate about anything outside of racing, Verstappen replied: "Racing. But not racing — not even necessarily myself. For example, one of my goals is to bring a simulated driver into the real world. That happened this year already, and he’s doing very well. I just want to try to grow that project naturally, because that is definitely something that I enjoy a lot."

Verstappen is referencing his two drivers for Verstappen.com racing in 2025, Chris Lulham and Thierry Vermeulen. The pair race in the GT World Challenge, and took a class victory in the Gold Cup at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Outside of F1 and endurance racing, the Dutchman is also an avid online racer, often streaming with Team Redline, participating in virtual endurance races.

Verstappen continued: "Outside of Formula 1 in the future as well, 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, let’s put it like that — but in a different kind of category, more like endurance racing. I do see that happening and creating opportunities for young drivers who do not have the funds or, you know, the means to get into a real racing car, to try to make that step from the simulator world as well."

In 2026, Verstappen is looking for his fifth F1 world title at Red Bull, whilst the Dutchman is also touted to be participating at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring later this year.