Major question marks have been placed over Max Verstappen’s short-term future with Red Bull.
2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button believes Max Verstappen is unlikely to consider taking a sabbatical from the sport. Verstappen has expressed dissatisfaction with the new 2026 cars and the complex techniques required for performance, especially focusing on battery deployment. Red Bull’s lack of competitiveness and absence from the podium in the first three races have further fueled speculation about Verstappen’s future in F1. While there have been suggestions that Verstappen might take a break before returning, Button does not see this as a likely scenario, as he views Verstappen as someone who is fully committed to racing. Button anticipates that this current stint in F1 will be Verstappen’s final chapter in the sport, highlighting that taking a year off and then coming back does not align with Verstappen’s personality and dedication.
