Jaime Alguersuari has ‘100%’ ruled out Max Verstappen taking one option ahead of the 2026 F1 season

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Everyone in the F1 paddock has been left guessing where Max Verstappen will end up in the near and distant future as rumours surrounding a Red Bull exit intensify.

Verstappen is contracted until 2028, but has a get-out clause in his deal that allows him to leave if he is not in the top three of the standings. The Dutchman is currently third, but is 18 points ahead of George Russell, having scored just 28 points in the last four races.

Christian Horner’s sacking from Red Bull came as the four-time champion was starting to apply pressure on the team for change. His exit may be enough to keep him on board, but some experts think Red Bull are ‘too late’ to retain Verstappen.

Mercedes and Aston Martin have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old in recent months as they try to attract him to their projects. Verstappen has already ruled out joining Aston Martin, as he seems solely focused on talks with Mercedes.

Mercedes have the ‘green light’ to pursue Verstappen, even with the extra wages he will demand. But it is not clear as to when the Silver Arrows will complete a deal, with the driver having multiple options for 2026.

Jaime Alguersuari ‘100%’ rules out Max Verstappen taking a sabbatical in 2026

Verstappen is not expected to leave Red Bull until 2027, as he wants to assess the team under the 2026 F1 regulations and see who has the fastest package. There have even been rumours that Verstappen could take a break from F1 next season.

However, former Red Bull talent Jaime Alguersuari has ‘100%’ ruled out that option for 2026. Speaking via The Chequered Flag podcast, he does not see the Dutchman wanting to give up on F1 after recently winning a fourth title.

“I don’t think so. I rarely think Max would stay home for a year and not drive,” he said.

“Knowing that you’re in Formula 1 and you’re recent world champion, you want to keep going, of course.

“But what I know, I’m 100% sure that, probably he won’t be [here] long in the sport, because I see this guy [having] really, very clear ideas.

“And as soon as he sees he doesn’t have a winning car or a winning team, he might call it a day. Why not?

“I just see this guy really convinced on how he sees his life, his future, his short-term future.”

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

Max Verstappen could have other teams than Mercedes eyeing him in the future

Verstappen has himself ruled out a sabbatical for 2026. The feeling is that the Dutchman will stay put for next season at Red Bull before assessing his options for 2027.

Red Bull can ‘guarantee’ Verstappen stays for 2026 as his top-three exit clause expires after the Hungarian GP. The Milton Keynes outfit have the chance to confirm his services for next season, but Mercedes will certainly be lurking in the background looking to strike a deal.

However, the Silver Arrows may not be the only team keeping tabs on him. Ferrari could open the door for Verstappen in 2027 if Lewis Hamilton decides to leave the team after 2026.

Ferrari are not currently pursuing Verstappen as they are happy with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, but things could change quickly if the 27-year-old decides to call time on his Red Bull career.