By Joe Morin, April 8, 2026
For the first time in years, the future of Max Verstappen in Formula One doesn’t feel completely locked in.
The Dutch driver has built a reputation as the sport’s most dominant force of the modern era, but 2026 is shaping up to be something very different. With Red Bull no longer comfortably ahead and young talents like Kimi Antonelli rising fast, Verstappen finds himself in unfamiliar territory: chasing rather than controlling.
So if this season ends without a strong championship result, the question becomes unavoidable—does Verstappen stick around, or does he start looking for a way out?
Verstappen Has Already Said He Won’t Stay Forever
Unlike many drivers who aim to race well into their late 30s, Verstappen has always been clear: he doesn’t see himself in Formula One for the long haul. Over the past few years, he’s openly talked about wanting to explore other forms of racing—endurance events, sim racing, even stepping back from the relentless F1 calendar. For him, it’s not just about winning titles; it’s about enjoying the competition.
That matters here. If the wins dry up, so might the motivation.
The Red Bull Factor
A big piece of this puzzle is Red Bull Racing.
For years, Red Bull gave Verstappen a car capable of dominating championships. But Formula One is cyclical. Regulation changes, technical shifts, and internal team dynamics can quickly change the pecking order.
If Red Bull fails to provide a competitive car this season, Verstappen has three realistic options:
• Stay loyal and trust the rebuild
• Push for internal changes
• Or consider leaving altogether
And make no mistake—drivers of Verstappen’s caliber don’t stick around just to fight for fourth place.
Would He Actually Leave?
Here’s the honest answer: it’s unlikely—but not impossible.
Verstappen is still in his prime. Walking away completely after one disappointing season would be extreme, even for someone who values balance and personal freedom as much as he does.
But there are scenarios where things could shift quickly:
• Continued underperformance into 2027
• Internal instability at Red Bull
• A lack of enjoyment in racing itself
If those stack up, the idea of stepping away—at least temporarily—becomes much more realistic.
What About Switching Teams?
Before leaving Formula One entirely, Verstappen would almost certainly explore other options.
Top teams are always watching. A driver like him doesn’t hit the market often, and if there’s even a hint of availability, organizations like Mercedes or Ferrari would be paying very close attention.
The key factor? Control.
Verstappen has built his career around having a team centered on him. Any move would need to guarantee the same level of trust and competitiveness.
The Motivation Question
This is the part most people overlook.
For Verstappen, motivation isn’t just about winning—it’s about the way he wins. Dominance, control, and confidence in the car have been central to his success. Take that away, and the experience changes completely.
If 2026 turns into a season of frustration—strategy misfires, unreliable performance, constant battling just to reach the podium—it could wear him down faster than people expect.
And Verstappen has never been shy about walking away from things he no longer enjoys.
Final Verdict
A poor championship finish in 2026 won’t, on its own, drive Max Verstappen out of Formula One.
But it could be the beginning of a shift.
If the struggles continue, if Red Bull can’t recover, and if the enjoyment factor disappears, then the conversation changes—from “Will he stay?” to “How much longer does he want this?”
Verstappen doesn’t need Formula One to define his legacy. He’s already secured that. Also, keep in mind that Max is only 28 years old. So even if Formula One doesn’t pan out for him, he could literally join any other racing league and excel. He’s just that good.
The real question is whether Formula One can still give him a reason to stay.
Joe Morin is a regular contributor to The Sidearmer, specializing in Formula One coverage. He has been following Formula One and other forms of racing for over 30 years. He has even competed in the now-defunct Canadian Karting Championship, finishing second overall in 2008. This gives him a driver’s perspective, complemented by an analyst approach.
Morin also has experience in podcasting, having worked behind the microphone for over ten years and as a video and audio editor for The Gorilla Position and Turnbuckle Studios.
You can follow him on X @joemorinthef1guy
