P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ex-F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok has provided a bold prediction that Max Verstappen will take the entire 2026 F1 season off as he ponders his next steps.
Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok predicts that Max Verstappen will take a sabbatical after the 2025 season to assess the impact of new regulations on different teams. He believes that the uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s dominance in F1 may prompt Verstappen to explore other options before his contract expires in 2028. Chandhok suggests that Verstappen could potentially return to Red Bull, join Ferrari, or move to Mercedes in 2027 after a year off. The complex and dynamic driver market has made it difficult to predict Verstappen’s future moves, as highlighted by the unusual developments in the sport. Chandhok’s analysis reflects the intricate dynamics and unpredictability of F1’s current driver market.
