Red Bull's Max Verstappen reflects on F1 career milestone
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing on the grid
Max Verstappen, who has already solidified his place in Formula 1 history, will reach a significant career milestone at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, his 200th race.
The Dutchman, a three-time world champion at just 26 years old, becomes the 24th driver in the sport's history to achieve this feat.
However, Verstappen has made it clear that his time in Formula 1 would not extend to another 200 races.
Reflecting on his career ahead of the milestone, Verstappen was candid about his future in the sport. "No. Nice and easy," he replied when asked if he could see himself racing in another 200 Grands Prix.
The Red Bull Racing star acknowledged that his Formula 1 journey had likely passed its halfway point. "We've passed halfway [for my F1 career], for sure. It's been an incredible ride. 200 races, it doesn't feel like 200.
"But of course, we're doing a lot of races now in a year, so you add them [up] quite quickly," he remarked.
Verstappen's career has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his debut, he has amassed over 60 race wins and over 100 podium finishes.
His first win came at the tender age of 18 during his debut race with Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, making him the youngest race winner in Formula 1 history.
Five years later, he claimed his maiden world title after an intense season-long battle with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.
When discussing the highlights of his career, Verstappen pointed to these two moments as particularly special. "Honestly, I think winning your very first race, that is always very emotional because you dream of that when you're a little kid," Verstappen said.
"To be on the podium in F1 and then being on the top step, I think it's always very special.
"[Also] winning your first championship, these kinds of things, they will always be something incredible that I will look back at after my career."
As the Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break, Verstappen prepares to defend his championship at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, held at Circuit Zandvoort on August 25.
The race marks the next chapter in what has already been an extraordinary career for the Dutch superstar, who continues to dominate the sport but is already contemplating life beyond it.
