Max Verstappen may need a break from Red Bull during the next set of regulations in 2026. The Dutchman has been a loyal member of the Red Bull family since 2014, when he joined their driver academy. However, with the recent struggles and drop in performance of Red Bull, there is speculation that the current world champion may need a break. It is suggested that Verstappen may take a sabbatical before the regulatory changes of the 2026 season.
Verstappen has been vocal about the challenges he has faced with the RB20 in recent races. As a result, he may consider his options before the regulatory changes in 2026. There is speculation about the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, but it is noted that he would still have to face other drivers who have achieved more pole positions and victories. Therefore, Russell, a British driver, would not oppose Verstappen’s arrival at Mercedes.
Verstappen has acknowledged that the only thing he can do is show his skills and performances. This would allow him to demonstrate his racing skills against the highly successful Max Verstappen in Formula 1. Russell also believes that it would not be surprising if Verstappen took a sabbatical from Red Bull in 2026 and considered joining teams that are performing well under the new regulations.
In the last two seasons, Verstappen has dominated the competition. Red Bull excelled during the ground effect era and had a dominant campaign. Russell acknowledges this and recognizes that there was a « Verstappen era » in Formula 1, but in the last six years, Mercedes has been the winning team.
De plus, Russell partage ses réflexions sur sa loyauté envers Mercedes pour les saisons à venir. Bien qu’il soit reconnaissant envers Brackley de lui avoir donné l’opportunité de courir en Formule 1, sa priorité est de remporter le championnat du monde. Il estime que Mercedes n’est pas actuellement la meilleure équipe et la compare à l’équipe McLaren, très prometteuse.
La saison 2024 pourrait être compétitive entre Red Bull, Ferrari et McLaren. Mercedes devra suivre les mises à jour tout au long de la saison pour rattraper Verstappen en tête. Brackley a rencontré des difficultés tout au long de l’ère de l’effet de sol et devra continuer à mettre à jour son châssis. La bataille entre les principales équipes en fin de saison sera très intrigante.
