Rosberg: Verstappen's early retirement from F1 is possible
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Max Verstappen has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, but could the Dutchman shock the motorsport world by retiring at the peak of his powers, much like 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg?
Rosberg, who famously walked away from the sport at the end of the 2016 season, days after claiming his only Drivers' championship, believes it's entirely plausible Verstappen could follow a similar path.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Mercedes driver weighed in on the Red Bull driver's future and why he wouldn't be surprised if the reigning champion steps away sooner than expected.
A Champion's Perspective
Rosberg knows better than most what it takes to climb to the summit of Formula 1 and what it costs to stay there.
He retired at the age of 31 after dethroning his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, a decision that stunned the F1 community but allowed him to leave the sport on his own terms.
"It's possible," Rosberg said when asked if Verstappen might retire early. "Max has already achieved so much despite his young age.
"The intensity of Formula 1 leaves a mark on you, both mentally and physically. If he feels he has achieved what he set out to do, and he wants more out of life, I would understand his choice."
At 27 years old, Verstappen has already clinched four world championships and is on a relentless march toward further dominance.
Yet, his approach to the sport suggests that records aren't his primary motivation. The Red Bull superstar has repeatedly expressed a desire not to emulate the career longevity of drivers like Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, who continue to race after 40.
Verstappen's current Red Bull contract runs through 2028, by which time he will be the same age as Rosberg was when he left the sport.
While he's unlikely to match Hamilton's career haul of seven world titles and 105 grand prix wins in that timeframe, Verstappen hasn't indicated that chasing statistical immortality is a priority.
A Tall Order for Verstappen
With 63 career wins already under his belt, Verstappen is well on his way to becoming one of the most successful drivers in history.
If he continues his current trajectory, he'll likely add more championships and victories before his Red Bull deal expires. But whether he chooses to stay beyond that point is anyone's guess.
Rosberg sees parallels between his own mindset in 2016 and Verstappen's current situation.
For the German, stepping away at the peak of his career was a deliberate choice to preserve the satisfaction of achieving his ultimate dream.
"No, I have no regrets," Rosberg said of his decision to retire.
"I realised my dream of becoming world champion and I wanted to leave at the peak of my career.
"By retiring I was able to spend more time with my family and start my career as an investor. I did what I felt was right for me."
It's not hard to imagine Verstappen making a similar choice.
With his intense focus and well-documented passion for life outside of racing—such as sim racing and spending time with family—there's a sense that Formula 1 may not dominate his entire adult life.
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