With major changes coming in 2026, Verstappen might take a break to perfectly position himself for F1’s next big chapter.
Could Max Verstappen really take a year off in 2026, watching F1 from the comfort of his couch, just to make the smartest move for 2027?
That’s the bold idea some in the paddock are whispering about. The theory? Verstappen could walk away from Red Bull at the end of 2025, sit out the first season under the new 2026 regulations, and wait to see which team gets it right before making his next move.
But does it really make sense?
If Red Bull is still competitive in 2026, why wouldn’t he stay? If they aren’t, he still has the option to trigger his exit clause. A year on the sidelines might be an unnecessary gamble for a driver still in his prime.
Lando Norris, Verstappen’s rival at McLaren, weighed in when asked about this unusual scenario during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
“I don’t know with Max. He’s different from most of us,” Norris said. “He just wants to show up, win, prove he’s the best, and then go home. That’s his mindset, and I respect that.”
“He’s also talked a lot about racing in other series and wanting to enjoy life. He’s not trying to be remembered forever—Max will do whatever he wants. And honestly, I respect that too.”
Whether he races or not in 2026, one thing’s clear: Verstappen is calling the shots, and the whole grid is watching.
- Discover More>Hamilton Admits SF-25 Feels Alien: ‘Need New Brain’
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update
Couch or Cockpit? Verstappen’s 2026 Gamble Sparks Paddock Buzz Couch or Cockpit? Verstappen’s 2026 Gamble Sparks Paddock Buzz
- Red Bull May Delay Engine Gamble, Stick With Honda
- Faster but fragile: Norris pays price for McLaren gains
- Red Bull CEO Mintzlaff Confident Verstappen Will Stay
- “If the McLaren Drivers Drove a Sauber for 10 Years, They’d Be Out in Q1 Too” Stroll
- Racing Bulls fall short in Jeddah despite all-out push