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As Max Verstappen continues to dominate Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing, conversations around his post-F1 future are becoming increasingly prominent. With his current contract set to expire in 2028, the three-time world champion has sparked curiosity by hinting at ambitions beyond the grid. Now, former Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk has added fuel to the fire—urging the Dutch sensation to consider IndyCar as a legitimate next step.
"I would love to see him in an IndyCar,” Luyendyk told RACER. “Yeah, he’s an amazing talent. And on top of that, he’s a nice guy. To me, he is.”
Luyendyk, who carved out a respected career in American open-wheel racing, believes Verstappen's skillset and composure make him a perfect fit for the U.S.-based series.
Max Verstappen's growing curiosity in other series
Max Verstappen’s appearance at the Nürburgring in a GT3 car recently raised eyebrows and hinted at where his interests might lie post-F1. Known for his versatility behind the wheel, Verstappen has often spoken about his love for sim racing and karting—activities that sharpened his ability to multitask and analyze race conditions quickly.
“He just sees it – the whole picture – he’s got it in one nanosecond,” said Luyendyk, praising the Red Bull driver’s extraordinary racing IQ.
Verstappen’s racing maturity praised
While praising Verstappen’s talent, Luyendyk also highlighted his emotional maturity on team radios as another quality that sets him apart. Comparing Max Verstappen’s communication style with that of McLaren rival Lando Norris, Luyendyk didn’t mince words.
“It’s like you’re listening to a 12-year-old Lando and you’re listening to a 30-year-old veteran Max,” he noted. “So calm, so calculated. Like, ‘Yeah, I can last another five minutes in this weather,’ and Lando was saying, ‘Oh, we’re all going to die,’ or something like that.”
The impact of Jos Verstappen’s tough love
Much of Max's discipline and mental fortitude, according to Luyendyk, can be attributed to the intense upbringing he received under the guidance of his father, Jos Verstappen.
“I’ve heard stories where he would be so verbal with him, it was unbelievable. Almost like child abuse. But hey, it made Max what he is. Next level kind of driver, but also mental,” he added.
Whether Verstappen ultimately shifts gears to IndyCar, endurance racing, or even retires altogether remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the motorsport world is already preparing for a future beyond F1 for one of its most dominant forces. With contract talks, Red Bull rumors, and cross-series appearances, the spotlight on Max Verstappen isn’t dimming anytime soon—it’s evolving.
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