Christian Horner hints at an early Max Verstappen retirement with the three-time Formula One world champion ‘having ambitions beyond racing’ with ‘motivation the crucial factor’ after the Dutchman’s dominant title win

• Verstappen sealed his third Formula One world championship in Qatar sprint
• Dutch driver has dominated from start to finish this season with 13 race wins
• But Red Bull chief Horner hinted Verstappen won’t race into his late thirties   

Christian Horner has hinted that Max Verstappen may retire from Formula One early with the three-time world champion ‘having ambitions beyond racing.’

The Red Bull driver sealed his third consecutive world championship on Saturday by finishing second in the sprint race ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen, 26, has completely dominated this season, winning 13 of the 16 races and getting on then podium in two more.

He also set a new record earlier in the campaign by racking up 10 consecutive wins, surpassing the legendary Michael Schumacher in the process.

But Red Bull team principal Horner, while expecting Verstappen’s dominance to continue for a few years yet, has suggested he won’t continue deep into his thirties.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted world champion Max Verstappen is unlikely to race deep into his thirties as he has ‘ambitions beyond racing’ 

Verstappen secured his third consecutive world title during the Qatar Grand Prix sprint

The rampant champion has won 13 of the 16 races so far this year and proven untouchable

Verstappen needed to finish just sixth to confirm his triumph but went on to take second place

‘He can go on to achieve so much more. We are riding a wave at the moment, and we want to continue riding that wave for as long as we can,’ Horner told PA Media.

‘Will Max be in Formula One for a long, long time? I don’t think so.

‘He has ambitions beyond F1 and beyond racing. And at 26, 36 seems a long way away.

‘We have a long-term agreement with him until 2028, and he has always said he will be happy to start and end his career here, but motivation will be a crucial factor.’

Verstappen said over team radio after wrapping up his latest title: ‘I don’t know what to say. Incredible year. Thank you for providing me with such a car. It has been a pleasure so far this year.’ 

Horner added on Verstappen: ‘Max has still got all the tenacity he had when he got in the car as a 17-year-old, but he now marries that with experience. 

‘Outside of the car, he is a normal guy, too. He has his feet on the ground and he hasn’t had his head turned by fame and fortune. He still loves racing, and he has got good, grounded principals.

‘He is competitive and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is very honest. He will give you everything, but he expects everything in return.’

Verstappen was congratulated by Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali after his title win

After returning his car to parc ferme, the champion was able to start the early celebrations

Verstappen needed to finish just sixth or above to add another championship trophy to his tally and recovered from a sluggish start to trail eventual winner Oscar Piastri.

Perez’s two early victories in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan and Carlos Sainz’s win in Singapore remain the only blots on Verstappen’s masterful record this season.

He now trails his team-mate by a staggering gap totalling 184 points.

Verstappen became the 11th driver to reach at least three titles and just the fifth to win a hat-trick in a row, rounding off one of the most impressive seasons in history.

The trailblazer also became the first driver to wrap up a title during a sprint event, the short-form showpiece having been introduced over certain weekends in 2021. 

There are six grands prix left to go this year, starting with Sunday’s action in Qatar.

Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda and Jackie Stewart are among those to have also won three titles. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Schumacher share the record of seven. 

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