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Martin Brundle expects Max Verstappen will turn his attentions to the form of Ferrari and Mercedes in the 2026 F1 season, if Red Bull start the new regulations cycle badly.
The 2026 F1 regulations mark the biggest overhaul of the rulebook to date, with new engine rules setting the foundations for further changes to the aero and chassis rules. Red Bull have also begun a new chapter in their history this season, having become an engine constructor.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls will use the maiden Red Bull Powertrains units, built in partnership with Ford, this year after Honda left the stable to join forces with Aston Martin. It is a major change for Red Bull, which Brundle expects has already seen Verstappen eye an “exit route”.
Verstappen can leave Red Bull at the end of the 2026 F1 season thanks to a release clause in his contract through 2028. The 28-year-old will need to rank third or lower in the F1 drivers’ championship at the summer break to have the choice of breaking out of his contract early.
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Martin Brundle cannot rule out Max Verstappen taking a sabbatical if Red Bull struggle in 2026
Brundle believes Verstappen would have his choice of teams were he to decide to leave Red Bull, with whom he has won all four of his F1 titles so far. But he believes the Dutchman will particularly keep Ferrari and Mercedes in mind, if they start the new era of F1 clearly ahead.
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Yet Brundle is loath to predict who Verstappen will race for in the 2027 F1 season, as he may want to take a sabbatical to see how things shake out or even walk away from F1. His claims come after Verstappen recently admitted he is “definitely closer to the end” of his F1 career.
“I’m sure he’s got an exit route, should he want one,” Brundle said on Sky Sports News (26/02, 12:11). “And he’ll be keeping an eye on Ferrari. McLaren are locked in with their drivers. Mercedes, he’ll be keeping an eye on them. He’s got the great calling card.
“It looks like the Red Bull, and the Red Bull-Ford powertrain is strong, very strong. So, I think Max is playing a waiting game. Do you know what? I wouldn’t want to bet what he might do, whether it’s a sabbatical, leave Formula 1, or stick with Red Bull.
“But I think he’s in the luxurious position of being a genius talent and with perhaps the whole field available to him as and when he wants it.”
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Verstappen was frequently linked with a move away from Red Bull during the first half of the 2025 F1 season. Toto Wolff confirmed Mercedes spoke to Verstappen’s manager last year, as well. But his 2025 exit clause was not active, as he was third in the standings last summer.
It will be easier for Verstappen to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2026 F1 season, should he want to, with his exit clause now only tied to the top two positions in the standings. But Red Bull’s pace during pre-season suggests they can give Verstappen a front-running car again.
The reliability of the first Red Bull engine in pre-season also impressed the F1 paddock. Even Mercedes driver George Russell feels Red Bull have “clearly done a good job” with their first engine, which many had initially expected would start 2026 as one of the worst power units.
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