‘Bad weekends don’t matter’ – Max Verstappen explains change that could keep him in F1 for years to come

When you think of Max Verstappen you think of winning at all costs, but that may no longer be the case.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion is no longer in the sport’s fastest car, and that has caused plenty of concern for Red Bull and his supporters.

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Verstappen has regularly talked up leaving F1 when his current contract expires in 2028, while he’s often made it clear that his love for the sport doesn’t extend to just competing for podiums and points.

All of that led to intense speculation over his future this year, with rumours he was even considering a year out of the sport, rather than sticking around in an uncompetitive Red Bull.

Yet not only has Red Bull’s team principal of 20 years, Christian Horner, left the team in one major change, there’s been another even bigger one in Verstappen’s personal life.

The 27-year-old became a father in April, and has now revealed a completely new mindset towards racing in F1.

“Even if you have a bad weekend, it doesn’t really matter when you’re back home,” he said, via AD. 

“Then you see that little baby, that little girl, smiling at you… Then you think, ‘this is okay.’

“Life goes on, and that’s ultimately the most important thing.”

Why Verstappen’s new outlook is needed

Verstappen certainly has had a few bad weekends in 2025, but they’ve essentially all been out of his control, with the Dutchman yet again dragging his Red Bull to race wins while successive teammates can’t even get through the first stage of qualifying.

Despite him still performing as arguably the best driver in the sport, it’s looking increasingly certain that he won’t extend his four-year title-winning streak, with championship leader Oscar Piastri 97 points ahead.

All of that led to a first-half of the year being dominated by talk of a move to Mercedes, which was confirmed by team principal Toto Wolff and driver George Russell.

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Yet Verstappen has since confirmed he’s staying at Red Bull, with his change in mindset also extending to his family away from the one back home in Monaco.

“It feels like a second family here,” he said of his career-long team. 

“That’s why when I walk into the garage, it never feels awkward or strange. You’re just one of the guys, and you get in the car.”

Only three drivers in F1 history have won more titles than Verstappen’s four, but he’s always made it clear that breaking records isn’t a priority.

He’s also a keen online streamer, and has talked up a post-F1 career in GT racing or rally along with his father Jos.

Speaking about the end of his current contract after winning his second title in 2022, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t know after that, but it also probably depends how competitive we are in ’28.

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“I’ve still got time. I don’t want to make drastic decisions now. I want to do other stuff.

“F1 is amazing and I’ve achieved a lot, and I’m very happy and proud about it… but it’s a lot of travelling and it’s a lot of races.

“And at one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That’s when you need to make your mind up.”