Christian Horner has hinted Max Verstappen could retire before reaching Lewis Hamilton’s record of F1 titles.

The Red Bull star clinched his third successive world championship during the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix. Needing just three points going into the weekend, the title was his once team-mate Sergio Perez crashed out.

Verstappen went on to take second place behind the McLaren of Oscar Piastri and will start on pole for tonight’s main race. Amid a campaign of searing dominance, Verstappen has moved to within four championships of Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

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Having just turned 26, Verstappen has ample time to overhaul the legendary pair, but it is possible he could retire before then, with his Red Bull contract due to expire in 2028. During the celebrations for the Dutch ace’s third title, team boss Horner suggested his star driver could stop to pursue other interests.

“He can go on to achieve so much more. We are riding a wave at the moment, and we want to continue riding that wave for as long as we can,” said Horner, reported PA.

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“Will Max be in Formula One for a long, long time? I don’t think so. He has ambitions beyond F1 and beyond racing. And at 26, 36 seems a long way away. We have a long-term agreement with him until 2028, and he has always said he will be happy to start and end his career here, but motivation will be a crucial factor.”

After his controversial triumph over Lewis Hamilton in 2021 and a good fight with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc over the first half of 2022, this has undoubtedly been Verstappen’s most straightforward title to date.

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“This championship is the best one,” insisted Verstappen. “The first one was the most emotional because that is when my dreams were fulfilled. But this has been my best year in terms of performance.

“I am the most proud of this one because of how consistent I have been. I will have quite a few sparkling waters tonight, but I will be here tomorrow [for the main race].”

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