Max Verstappen’s Rumored F1 2026 Sabbatical Sparks Speculation Amid Red Bull Struggles
Formula 1 is abuzz with speculation as four-time world champion Max Verstappen is reportedly considering a shocking sabbatical in 2026, a move that could reshape the sport’s landscape. The Dutch driver, currently contracted with Red Bull until 2028, has been at the center of intense drama following the team’s performance struggles and his growing frustration with the FIA.
Despite Red Bull’s assurances, whispers of Verstappen taking a year off to evaluate his options for 2027 have ignited the F1 silly season, with potential moves to Mercedes, Aston Martin, and even Ferrari on the horizon. BBC F1 reporter Andrew Benson revealed the bombshell, stating on the Chequered Flag podcast, “One of the most intriguing stories around Verstappen at the moment is that he could maybe take a sabbatical next year, just see how the rules go, and then pick a team for 2027.” This idea, shared by someone close to Verstappen, comes as Red Bull grapples with a development crisis, leaving them far from their dominant form of previous years.
Red Bull’s 2025 season has been a stark contrast to their past successes, with Verstappen securing just one win in the first four races and the team slipping toward the midfield. The RB21’s lack of pace has fueled speculation about Verstappen’s future, especially given the performance-related exit clause in his contract, confirmed by team principal Christian Horner. Managing director Oliver Mintzlaff remains steadfast, insisting Verstappen owes his success to Red Bull and will stay, saying, “Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull and would like to end it there.” However, the team’s inability to provide a championship-contending car has cast doubt on their ability to retain their star driver, especially as the 2026 regulations loom, promising a shake-up in the competitive order with new chassis and engine rules.
The sabbatical rumor isn’t just about escaping Red Bull’s woes—it’s a strategic play. By sitting out 2026, Verstappen could assess which team emerges strongest under the new rules, positioning himself to join a frontrunner in 2027.
Aston Martin has emerged as a serious contender, reportedly offering a staggering $100 million per year for three years, backed by Saudi Arabia’s public fund. With Adrian Newey’s arrival and Honda engines—familiar to Verstappen from his title-winning years—Aston Martin’s project is tantalizing, though Fernando Alonso’s potential extension beyond 2026 could complicate matters. Alonso hinted at flexibility, stating, “After 2026, I don’t know. I will go season by season.” Mercedes, despite Toto Wolff’s public commitment to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, remains a wildcard, especially with their rumored edge in 2026 power unit development.
Ferrari, however, is the most intriguing possibility. Lewis Hamilton’s lackluster 2025 season—barring a sprint race win in China—has fueled speculation about his future, especially as he approaches 41 and his contract ends in 2026. Verstappen, who once admitted Ferrari’s allure, saying, “I know Ferrari has an amazing history in Formula 1 and is an amazing team to race for,” could find a seat at Maranello if the team builds a competitive car. A Verstappen-Ferrari pairing, while far-fetched, isn’t impossible, especially given Hamilton’s struggles and Ferrari’s desire to reclaim glory. As the 2025 season progresses, Verstappen’s next move remains uncertain. Will he take a sabbatical to race in series like Le Mans, a long-held ambition, or stay and fight with Red Bull? One thing is clear: his decision will send shockwaves through F1, making him the centerpiece of the 2026 silly season—whether he’s on the grid or not.
