[Saba Sports News] Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has consistently been one of the most outspoken critics of F1’s new regulations. He has hinted that he could walk away from Formula 1 at the end of this season, as he no longer finds enjoyment in the sport. In response, former F1 driver Karun Chandhok predicted in an interview with Sky Sports F1 that Verstappen would choose to take a one- or two-year sabbatical.
However, legendary driver Jenson Button believes this is not in Verstappen’s character. He stated that Verstappen would not take a year off and return simply out of dissatisfaction with the 2026 F1 rules, speculating that Verstappen will either keep racing or leave for good. Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-serving race engineer, will move to McLaren when his contract with Red Bull expires in 2028. Outsiders have speculated that Verstappen may eventually join McLaren to reunite with Lambiase. On this matter, Button expects that if Red Bull’s competitiveness continues to decline in the coming months, Verstappen’s departure could become a reality.
In my opinion, the core logic behind Jenson Button’s prediction is that Verstappen possesses generation-defining driving talent, and his future in the sport depends on the competitiveness of his car, rather than his personal willingness alone.