Formula 1 News: Verstappen was ‘closer to quitting’ than joining another team

(GMM) Max Verstappen (pictured) says he came closer to leaving Formula 1 altogether than switching to McLaren before ultimately extending his Red Bull contract. Speaking to Bild newspaper in Madrid, Verstappen insisted the obvious discussions with rival teams were genuine. “Every conversation with another team has to be taken seriously,” he said. “But ultimately, I was closer to quitting Formula 1 than to signing with another racing team.” The four-time world champion eventually committed his future to Red Bull beyond his previous 2028 deal and rejected suggestions the extension was mainly about securing a pay rise. “I don’t care what…