Verstappen Holds Off on F1 Future as Exit Talks Intensify

Four‑time champion Max Verstappen said he still hasn’t decided how long he will stay in Formula 1. Speaking before the Miami GP, he said he is taking his time, even as rumours of an early exit grow. Recent FIA tweaks have done little to change his view.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s decision will affect Red Bull’s championship prospects and the sport’s marketability. Losing a driver of his stature could destabilise the grid, shift sponsor interest and amplify calls for a more driver‑focused rulebook.

The details:

• In a GPblog interview before Miami, Verstappen said, “nothing new on that side… I still have time and I’m taking my time.”
• He earlier called the 2025 rulebook “anti‑racing,” warning that unresolved issues could push him toward an early departure.
• The FIA’s modest aerodynamic and tyre‑allocation tweaks for Miami were dismissed by Verstappen as insufficient, a view echoed by several drivers.

What's next:

Verstappen will watch the Miami race to see if the changes improve racing, while talks with Red Bull and the FIA continue. If the season’s regulatory rollout falls short of his expectations, speculation of a 2026 exit will grow. Until he announces a decision, his future remains a key storyline.