Max Verstappen considered retiring before signing Red Bull contract extension

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen revealed he seriously contemplated retirement before signing a contract extension with Red Bull this August. The four-time champion stated that he was closer to leaving the sport than joining another team prior to finalizing the deal that runs through 2030. Verstappen previously expressed dissatisfaction with new technical and power unit regulations, which he described as resembling a video game. Despite staying with his team, the driver currently sits sixth in the drivers' championship standings, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 140 points. Verstappen remains winless this season but maintains that the team is on the right track despite the car's current performance limitations. He dismissed speculation that the contract extension was motivated by financial gain.

• 8:48 AMYahoo Sports — Verstappen says he 'seriously' considered retiring before new contract