1 week Ago By Harry Smith
Johnny Herbert believes that Max Verstappen should consider a sabbatical from F1 at the end of the 2025 season. He would take a year away from the sport to observe the pecking order and ensure that he joins the most competitive team after the 2026 technical regulations come into play. Following a challenging start to the 2025 campaign, the Dutchman has been linked with moves to Mercedes and Aston Martin, but he also has the option to continue trusting Christian Horner and Red Bull after securing four World Championships with his current employers.
With the 2026 regulations promising to shake up the pecking order, moving away from Red Bull would be a considerable gamble. Joining either Mercedes or Aston Martin would be a jump into the unknown for Verstappen. However, Herbert has a solution for the four-time world champion to consider.
“Would Max Verstappen lose his racing edge if he was to take a one-year sabbatical? No, I don't think he would,” the former FIA steward told CoinCasino . “Max would always be ready for it, even after a year off.” Herbert then added: " Mercedes are the ones who spoke with the Verstappens even before Max joined F1 and they have a better car for next year.
They've lost their edge, but they have improved a lot this year. Mercedes are better than Aston Martin, but one team has Adrian Newey ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. “The Mercedes I've heard on the grapevine is in a very good position for next season, competitive-wise.
So, if there have been serious negotiations, Verstappen will be very aware of this. With the one-year sabbatical, Verstappen can wait and see what car has been delivered in 2026 and join a team from there. “But, I think he'd want to be at a team from the start of the new regulations, to take charge and mould the car towards his driving style.
If the Mercedes is really good and Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are consistently finishing first and second, Verstappen will have lost his chance of joining the team. “Then he'll be hoping that the Aston Martin can perform. If either team dominate next season, they won't want to fix what's not broken? But right now, the move to Aston Martin makes the most sense.
” For now, Verstappen is working to improve the RB21 and drag himself into title contention with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris . Red Bull have a significant upgrade package coming in Imola, and the success of these changes will be critical for the team’s chances of retaining their star driver..
