Despite being at the top of his game, Max Verstappen has repeatedly teased the idea of taking retirement from F1. While the Dutchman would stay at the circuit till the expiry of his current contract with Red Bull, which will run out in 2028, he does not seem too keen to showcase longevity like 7-time Formula One world champion, Lewis Hamilton, who has continued to remain at the pinnacle of the sport even in his 40s.
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Former F1 Champion Jacques Villeneuve Undermines Max Verstappen's Impact
Amid the speculations around when Verstappen could bid adieu to the F1, a startling comment has been disseminated by 1997 champion, Jacques Villeneuve. According to the veteran, no one would care if the 4-time reigning world champion left the sport. Nevertheless, the Canadian does not hold the same thoughts about Lewis Hamilton, as he thinks his exit will leave a huge void in the sport and that his retirement would affect people more.
“If Verstappen leaves Formula 1, no one cares. If you take Hamilton out of Formula 1, people care,” Villeneuve said in an interview with the Action Network, as quoted by F1 Maximaal.
While Villeneuve's comments may not affect Max, as the Dutchman does not seem to ponder over what the general perception people have of him. The 27-year-old has always meant business and does not seem to care about anything other than racking up podium finishes and world championships.
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Champions in the Same Sport Yet Have Different Outlook
Though Verstappen acknowledges the plaudits he has garnered from his impressive performances, at the same time he is apparently in knowledge that the F1 career is just a phase in his life and there are things he wants to pursue after culminating his stint as a driver. For Lewis Hamilton, it is an entirely different case. The Brit has kept an undwindling focus on the sport for the past 18 years and aims to leave on a high. The contrasting goals highlight that the F1 greats have different personalities regarding their onlook on the game.
Hamilton is determined to touch the distinguished record of winning 8 world championships, the same cannot be said about Max Verstappen, who seems to be content with what he has achieved in the sport.