Max Verstappen has reiterated his long-standing position regarding his Formula 1 career, stating he will retire the day he no longer considers himself the best driver on the grid. This declaration was made to Dutch media following the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who made his F1 debut at 17 years and 166 days in 2015, has consistently maintained this competitive mindset throughout his career. He believes he always had the potential to be the best, even in his formative years in the sport.
“I always think so. Otherwise I’ll quit! You do have that thought, but I also knew in 2015 that I still had a lot to learn. I already had in my mind that I had the potential to be the best, yes.”
To date, Verstappen has secured four world titles and 74 Grand Prix victories over his 12 years in Formula 1. His career has been marked by record-breaking performances and a significant impact on the sport’s regulations.
The 2026 Drivers’ World Championship has already been decided, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli clinching the title at the Mexican Grand Prix. Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, became the youngest ever F1 champion.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez witnessed Antonelli’s historic triumph, marking a significant shift in the F1 landscape. His consistent performance throughout the 2026 season, including multiple victories, solidified his championship bid.
Despite Antonelli’s triumph, Verstappen currently holds second place in the 2026 Drivers’ standings. He has accumulated 285 points, establishing a 17-point lead over George Russell, who is in third position.
Red Bull has experienced a strong late-season resurgence, which includes three race victories and a total of eight podium finishes. Verstappen’s wins this season came at the Singapore, Japanese, and Qatar Grands Prix.
A notable performance occurred at the recent Brazilian Grand Prix, held on November 8, 2026, where Verstappen started 21st on the grid. Following an engine component penalty, he executed a charge through the field to secure a second-place finish.
Verstappen expressed confidence in Red Bull’s recovery and the performance of the new Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) power unit. RBPT has made considerable advancements in engine development throughout the 2026 season.
Initial challenges with the new power unit architecture have been largely addressed, contributing to Red Bull’s improved form. The integration of the RBPT unit with the RB22 chassis has also seen significant enhancements.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal, has acknowledged the RBPT team’s dedication. He noted that their progress has surpassed initial expectations after a difficult start to the new technical regulations era.
Verstappen believes that if Red Bull provides a competitive car, he can challenge the Mercedes drivers for the 2027 title. His conviction in his own ability remains a primary motivator for his continued participation in F1.
