George Russell believes it’s entirely possible that Max Verstappen might take a year off from Formula 1 in 2026 to evaluate the teams and their new power units. This prediction comes despite Verstappen’s long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs until the end of the 2028 season.
While Verstappen is rumored to have a potential future with Mercedes, Russell suggests that rather than making a move, the triple World Champion could opt for a sabbatical. In 2026, the sport will introduce revised cars and a new engine formula, switching to fully sustainable fuels and more electrical power. When Formula 1 last introduced new engines in 2014, Mercedes emerged as the dominant force, ending Red Bull’s four-year reign as World Champions.
According to Russell, Verstappen might take a year off to observe how these changes play out. ‘I wouldn’t shy away from jumping alongside Max,’ Russell told the Daily Mail. ‘Nor would I shy away from him jumping in with us. Max can take a year off for 2026 and see which the best team is. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he did that. Remember, 2026 is a lottery. So, you truly don’t know what will transpire.’
Russell, on his own future, remains determined to become a World Champion, ideally with Mercedes. ‘I am a loyal guy and Mercedes have given me the opportunity, but I want to be a World Champion. That’s not us at the moment,’ he said. ‘But a year ago McLaren were the slowest team and now they are the quickest.’
Verstappen, meanwhile, has expressed his wish to stay with Red Bull long-term. Speaking to the Guardian, he said, ‘It would be amazing to finish my career here at Red Bull, all the years staying basically at one team would be incredible. I am quite a loyal person and it is something that means a lot to me. That is what I request from the team and so far that has always been great and that is what I want to keep for a long time.’
As the 2026 season approaches with significant changes on the horizon, both Russell and Verstappen have their eyes set firmly on their futures. Whether Verstappen takes a year off or stays loyal to Red Bull, the upcoming adjustments in Formula 1 will undoubtedly bring surprises.
Source: Planetf1
