Max Verstappen, a three-time F1 world champion, reportedly sought a potential exit from Red Bull Racing after team principal Christian Horner was accused of sexual transgressive behavior by a female employee, thus triggering an internal power conflict. However, Max later clarified that his loyalty lies in Milton Keynes.
However, with Red Bull hitting a slump this year, Max Verstappen might reconsider his priorities with Formula 1 embracing large-scale engine regulation change after a decade in 2026. To further add fuel to the speculations, Mercedes driver George Russell believes Max might disappear in the 2026 season altogether to safeguard his future in the sport.
Max Verstappen To Take Sabbatical In 2026 Season?
Formula 1 is set to witness a huge overhaul in pecking order in 2026 when new engine regulations will come into effect. Notably, the sport is altering engine regulations for the first in a decade, and it’s the most significant overhaul since aerodynamics regulations changes were introduced in 2021. Those changes gave Red Bull an edge as Adrian Newey’s leading engineering team was able to crack the code to establish a new era of dominance, which is now under threat as rivals are closing the gap. Meanwhile, three-time world champion Max Verstappen is expected to have his reservations if Red Bull’s woes continue to perpetuate. Amid this, Mercedes driver George Russell made a bold prediction on Max’s future in the sport.
While talking to Daily Mail, Mercedes driver George Russell claimed that Max Verstappen is very likely to cut ties with Red Bull and take a year off in the 2026 F1 season. It’s because the 2026 season is unpredictable and a big lottery, considering the magnitude of engine regulation changes. It can very well reset the pecking order, and Red Bull, who are, in fact, building their own homegrown engine for the first time, are likely to succumb to pressure. Hence, Russell believes that Max can take a sabbatical in 2026 to see who’s winning and has an edge and accordingly take a decision on his future. Verstappen is contracted until 2028 with Red Bull, and he recently expressed his desire to end his motorsport career at Red Bull. Hence, it seems unlikely for the Dutchman to switch teams in the near future.
Loyal Person Verstappen Aims To See The End Of His Career In Red Bull
Amid rumors of Mercedes switch, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has affirmed his loyalty towards Red Bull Racing. In the latest interview, Max said that he is a loyal person, and loyalty is an important trait he sought from Red Bull when he entered the sport as a teenager. And so far, Max has absolutely no complaints.
Not only that, Max Verstappen expressed that given an opportunity, he would like to finish his motorsport career at Red Bull itself. “All the years staying basically at one team would be incredible,” said Verstappen. Indeed the feeling will be mutual as Red Bull would not want to part with an acclaimed driver like Max anytime soon.
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