Max Verstappen is expected to remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2027 Formula 1 season, although Martin Brundle believes the possibility of the driver taking a one-year sabbatical cannot be completely dismissed.
Verstappen’s future has returned to the spotlight ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The four-time world champion declined to confirm his commitment to Red Bull for next season when questioned during the pre-race media activities.
Brundle believes Verstappen currently has limited realistic options among Formula 1’s leading teams. The driver line-ups at McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari are considered largely settled, while Verstappen still has a contract that gives him the opportunity to remain with Red Bull.
“I think Max obviously has a contract if he wants to stay at Red Bull. I’m not sure there are too many other places for him to go. The driver line-ups are largely settled at McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, and they’re the other three top teams,” Martin Brundle told Sky F1.
Brundle also believes it is reasonable for Verstappen’s management to assess the driver market and the opportunities available. However, he stressed that the idea of a swap involving Oscar Piastri would be far more complex than the narrative circulating in the paddock.
Verstappen’s reluctance to discuss his future was also viewed as a cautious approach. According to Brundle, any statement made by the Dutch driver could be interpreted in different ways, while choosing not to comment would still generate similar discussion.
“So my gut feeling is that Max will stay at Red Bull next year. A sabbatical? I don’t think it’s out of the question either,” Brundle said.
The uncertainty means Verstappen’s future will remain one of the main issues heading into the Belgian Grand Prix, where attention will next turn to Red Bull’s performance at Spa-Francorchamps and further developments regarding the 2027 season.
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