Giedo van der Garde thinks Max Verstappen will be ‘loyal’ to Red Bull amid F1 exit rumours

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen is facing several questions around his future with Red Bull, and in Formula 1, for that matter, but Giedo van der Garde is adamant that he is staying put.

The Dutchman is calling for changes to the 2026 F1 regulations, with multiple drivers expressing frustrations over energy management, notably in qualifying. The four-time champion has been by far the most vocal, with Liberty Media not happy with Verstappen’s comments.

The 28-year-old will be looking for improvements from the FIA and Red Bull, having scored just 12 points thus far in 2026. His difficult start to the year, tied in with his criticism of the rules, has led to speculation that he could leave F1 at the end of the season.

Nelson Piquet Jr says ‘there is a good chance’ that Verstappen leaves the sport and explores other interests, such as GT3 racing.

Guenther Steiner has urged Verstappen to ‘wait’ and see what options are on the table for him. He can leave Red Bull in 2026 through an exit clause in his contract, but van der Garde believes he is going nowhere.

Giedo van der Garde cannot see Max Verstappen retiring from Formula 1

Speaking via RacingNews365, the former F1 driver thinks Verstappen will be ‘loyal’ to Red Bull, and believes he will not walk away from the sport, for now at least.

“Ultimately, he wants to have the best car, win championships and win races. And, well, look, we all hope, of course, that Red Bull can turn things around, don’t we?” he said.

“What we’ve often seen, like last year, is that they suddenly have a good car and he can suddenly win races. Well, then he’ll stay, and I think he’s loyal enough to carry on with them.

“But quite honestly, look, if that doesn’t work out, then he’ll have to start looking around. And, well, anyway, it’s still far too early in the season, so I think it’ll be a while yet.

He later added: “I don’t see him stopping. No, I think he’ll carry on in Formula 1 for the time being.”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen’s resurgence at Red Bull could be in major doubt

With F1 not resuming until May due to the conflict in the Middle East, Red Bull have had the time to work on the RB22 and try to improve Verstappen and Isack Hadjar’s fortunes.

However, Red Bull are set to miss out on F1’s ADUO programme, which could be a costly blow to the team. The car needs upgrades, but a delay to such developments could put them more on the back foot.

Was Michael Masi unfairly treated over how Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to win the 2021 F1 title?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The RB22 is 10kg overweight, as per the latest readings, which is holding Verstappen back even more. What’s worse is that Red Bull may not fix their weight issues until the summer – by then, the team would likely be completely out of contention.

Red Bull are currently sixth in the constructors’ championship behind Haas and Alpine. Verstappen struggled to pass Pierre Gasly at Suzuka, settling for a disappointing P8.