Max Verstappen reveals near-retirement and Red Bull signs Robin Raikkonen

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed that he seriously considered retiring from the sport at the end of the 2026 season. Despite signing a contract extension with Red Bull Racing through 2030, Verstappen admitted that the decision to continue was once a “50-50” split, driven by concerns over new car regulations and a decline in team competitiveness. However, he ultimately decided to stay because he still loves racing and feels he has nothing left to prove after his initial championship success.

In related news, Red Bull has expanded its junior driver program by signing 11-year-old Robin Raikkonen, the son of 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen. Robin is set to officially join the academy in 2027. Former driver David Coulthard noted that the Raikkonen family’s intense commitment to Robin’s development—including moving to Italy to be near karting tracks—parallels the approach Jos Verstappen took with Max. While Robin has shown exceptional talent in karting, Coulthard cautioned that success in karts does not always guarantee a smooth transition to the complex dynamics of Formula 1 cars.