As Verstappen celebrates his fourth world championship, he shares thoughts on his career and Red Bull’s team atmosphere

Max Verstappen, having secured his fourth consecutive World Championship, is stepping into a reflective phase of his career. Speaking on Red Bull Racing’s Talking Bull podcast on December 26, Verstappen sent a direct and heartfelt message to the team he’s been part of since 2016.

The Dutch driver’s journey with Red Bull began at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix when he was promoted mid-season from Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri. In an unprecedented debut with the senior team, Verstappen clinched his first Formula 1 victory. This historic moment set the tone for his career with Red Bull, where pressure has always been a constant. Yet, he has consistently thrived, racking up four consecutive World Championships and establishing himself as one of the sport’s greatest talents.

Verstappen’s recent reflection comes at a significant moment, with both personal and professional changes. Just after securing his title in Las Vegas, he revealed that he and his partner, Kelly Piquet, are expecting their first child. This announcement sparked renewed discussions about Verstappen’s future in F1, with the driver making it clear that he doesn’t plan to race in the sport forever.

In the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen expressed immense gratitude towards the Red Bull Racing team, acknowledging their role in his success. He discussed the bond he has developed with the team and how they have become more like a family to him. His message was also a reminder of the importance of maintaining a positive and cohesive atmosphere within the team, particularly as Red Bull continues to dominate Formula 1.

The Dutchman’s reflections also highlight how his mentality has evolved over the years. Initially thrust into the high-pressure environment of F1 as a teenager, Verstappen was determined to prove himself. His meteoric rise to the top was marked by moments of intense scrutiny, but he faced these challenges with resilience, never losing sight of his goal. Now, as a seasoned four-time World Champion, Verstappen appreciates not just the victories but the relationships and the team dynamics that have supported his growth.

Despite his dominance, Verstappen remains grounded and acknowledges the struggles that come with being in a top-tier team. He described how, this season, he often found himself battling against the car as much as the competition, demonstrating the level of determination required to stay on top.

Max Verstappen’s message to Red Bull Racing is a testament to his maturity as both a driver and a person. As he looks towards the future—both in F1 and his personal life—the 27-year-old is preparing for a different phase of his career. Although he’s not ready to retire, Verstappen has made it clear that his time in Formula 1 is finite, and when he does step away, it will be with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude for the journey that has brought him to where he is today.

As Verstappen’s career evolves, his relationship with Red Bull will remain a key part of his story. The team, which helped shape his rise to prominence, continues to be integral to his success—and it seems Verstappen is just as committed to helping them thrive as they are to supporting his championship aspirations.