Ayao Komatsu shares why he’s ‘sure’ Max Verstappen will not leave F1 amid 2026 retirement talk

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Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is “sure” that Max Verstappen will not retire from Formula 1 at the end of 2026, despite the Red Bull driver’s threats to leave the series.

Verstappen spent most of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend creating doubts over his future, as his hatred for F1’s 2026 regulations mixed with having a car that is not capable of winning races or even reaching the podium threatens to push the four-time champion over the edge.

The Red Bull RB22 is far from being the fastest car in the field this term, as Verstappen often has to fight huge snaps to control the car. Verstappen called his Red Bull “undriveable” after qualifying in Japan, during which he did not reach Q3 at Suzuka for the first time since 2015.

Only securing P11 on the grid also saw Verstappen state that he must “figure out” his future in F1, as he cannot stand the increased role that the battery plays in the engine formula. A P8 finish in the Japanese GP also saw him claim he must decide “is it worth it?” to stay in F1.

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Ayao Komatsu thinks F1 needs Max Verstappen to stay as he’s a ‘great ambassador’

Team principal Laurent Mekies claims Red Bull are not considering Verstappen retiring at the end of 2026, and he has suggested that the Milton Keynes squad fully expect him to race for them next term. Haas boss Komatsu also hopes to see Verstappen stay in Formula 1 in 2027.

READ MORE: Every time that Max Verstappen has clashed with the media

Komatsu believes F1 needs Verstappen to stay on the grid as, beyond being a “great driver”, the 28-year-old is also a “great ambassador” for the championship. Verstappen is one of the most popular Formula 1 drivers, and is also one of the most successful F1 drivers in history.

“No [I would not like to see Verstappen leave F1],” Komatsu told Sky Sports. “Max is a great driver, [and] a great, great ambassador for the sport. So, I’m sure he will stick around. That’s what I hope, anyway.”

Red Bull and F1 run the risk of Verstappen retiring at the end of the 2026 season, unless the team improve their car and F1 also commits to modifying the power unit rules, as he has a release clause in his contract. The Dutchman’s deal at Red Bull officially runs through 2028.

Verstappen will have from August to October to use his release clause, which is linked to his position in the drivers’ championship. The 71-time Grand Prix winner only has to be outside the top two in the standings at the 2026 summer break to secure the right to leave Red Bull.

Red Bull survived the threat of Verstappen using his release clause last year, as he had to be outside the top three in the F1 drivers’ standings at the 2025 summer break. But the form that Red Bull have shown in 2026 makes it likely that Verstappen will have the right to leave.