Button says Verstappen won’t take a sabbatical – exit may be looming

Jenson Button says Max Verstappen isn’t the type to step away for a year; if the four‑time champion loses the thrill of racing, he’s likely to walk away from Formula 1 altogether. The Dutch driver has already hinted that enjoyment, not records, drives his decisions, while the recent departure of his long‑time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, fuels exit speculation.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen is the sport’s marquee driver; his exit would reshape the driver market and Red Bull’s long‑term plans.
• A sabbatical would keep the brand alive; a full exit could erode viewership and sponsor interest.

The details:

• Verstappen’s contract runs to the end of 2028, but he told Sky F1 “if I’m not having fun, I’ll find entertainment elsewhere.”
• He’s already testing GT3 machinery and entered the 24‑Hours of Nürburgring qualifying, signalling a broader motorsport appetite.
• Lambiase’s move to McLaren, announced for 2028, prompted Verstappen to say he can’t imagine racing without his engineer by his side.

What’s next:

• If Verstappen confirms a retirement, Red Bull will likely promote a junior driver or look to a seasoned champion as a successor.
• Fans and sponsors will watch closely; the timing of any exit will influence F1’s narrative heading into the next regulatory era.