Would the four-time F1 champion be willing to bow out for a few years?
Former team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes that Max Verstappen might take a break from F1 at the end of this year, potentially returning by the turn of the decade when V8 engines are set to make a comeback. Szafnauer thinks that losing Verstappen from the sport would be a significant loss. Verstappen has been unhappy with the new regulations this season, especially the power balance between combustion and electrical energy. Despite struggling in the first four races of the season, he remains far behind in the championship. The possibility of Verstappen returning in 2030 or 2031, with V8 engines using sustainable fuels, has been discussed by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and has received support from team principals such as Toto Wolff and Laurent Mekies. Szafnauer believes that Verstappen is a generational talent and his potential sabbatical would not be a concern, citing examples of other drivers successfully returning to F1 after a break. He emphasizes that Verstappen’s talent is widely recognized, positioning him as one of the best, if not the best, driver on the current grid.
