2026 RULES: MAX VERSTAPPEN MAY QUIT F1 BEFORE RED BULL CONTRACT
Max Verstappen threatens to end his Red Bull contract early and quit F1 in 2026 if the new regulations aren't enjoyable. He's also planning a Le Mans entry with Fernando Alonso.
Max Verstappen might leave Formula One in 2026 if the new rules don't make racing “fun.” He has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but he might end it early if things aren't right.
His future has been a hot topic in 2025, with people wondering if he'll switch to Mercedes instead of staying with Red Bull.
Toto Wolff wanted Verstappen for 2026, but Verstappen's recent statement suggests he might not even be available for 2027.
My contract goes to 2028, but it depends on the new rules in 2026, and if they are nice and fun,” Verstappen told PA before the Qatar race. “If they are not fun, then I don't really see myself sticking around.
Calling all Max Verstappen fans!
Celebrate the start of a new Formula 1 season and show your support for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing with up to 70 per cent off teamwear, merchandise, and memorabilia for a limited time only with the F1 Store sale.
Winning seven titles isn't my goal. I have three more years after this one, so it’s possible, but I don’t need to do it before I leave. I could leave tomorrow.
I have other interests, like different racing types. I want to spend more time with my family and control my own schedule. Once I quit, I won't come back. I’m done for good.
Verstappen wants to race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours next year, having gotten his DMSB Permit A earlier this year. He also has sports car racing plans.
“I would definitely like to do Le Mans,” he said last year. “I went there when my dad raced, and the vibe is amazing. It’s long, there are many people, and you drive at night and see the sunrise—it’s really cool.”
Verstappen talked to Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, about racing together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “I’ve been talking to Fernando about it,” he said. “He only wants to do it with me again. That would be really cool.”
“The thing is, Le Mans doesn’t have a minimum driver weight. I’m a heavy driver, so I need light teammates to make up for it. Fernando is light, so that’s good, but we need one more—I have to find someone!”
GEORGE RUSSELL ADMITS ANTONELLI IS "EXCEPTIONALLY QUICK" BUT REFUSES TO CONCEDE TITLE
Kimi Antonelli secured his 3rd straight F1 win in Miami, leaving George Russell 43 seconds behind and 20 points down in the title race. (130 chars)
George Russell isn’t flinching. He’s not ready to let go of the story, even as Kimi Antonelli keeps grabbing headlines. Antonelli’s been tearing it up this season – three straight wins, all from pole – and it’s got people talking. Miami was rough for Russell; he finished fourth, over 43 seconds behind Antonelli. That gap isn’t just big; it’s glaring, and it’s putting some real heat on their rivalry at Mercedes.
Russell isn’t pretending things are fine, but he’s not throwing in the towel either. He gets what Antonelli’s doing and gives props where they’re deserved. “He’s a fantastic driver, and he’s been fast since day one,” Russell said. “You don’t win all those championships as a kid if you’re not quick.” He means it, but he’s also drawing a boundary. Russell still believes in himself, and he’s not giving up on the championship.
“I’ve still got confidence in myself, and I haven’t forgotten how to drive,” he said with a little smile. “It’s just a tricky patch, but we’re only four races in; there’s a lot more to come. We’ll sort things out over the next few weeks.”
That “tricky patch” doesn’t just mean some tough luck; it includes a 20-point deficit and a teammate who won’t stop rewriting history. Antonelli’s winning streak has changed the vibe at Mercedes, at least for now.
Russell knows all about momentum and how it doesn’t always stick around. “He’s got momentum right now; he’s flying,” Russell admitted. “But I’ve won championships myself, and I know momentum swings back and forth all year.” He actually doesn’t seem bothered by the points gap. “Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it,” he said.
It’s a calm answer from a guy who’s been here before, leaning on experience while Antonelli rides his hot streak. Russell keeps saying 'big picture, patience, not panic'.
“I just want to get back on top of the podium,” he said. “I had the pace for the first three races, but this weekend I was nowhere close. It could have gone very differently these last few weeks, and this weekend could’ve just been a blip. But some races in Japan and China didn’t go my way. That’s how F1 goes sometimes.”
Still, confidence doesn’t erase a 20-point gap, not if Antonelli keeps cruising. If Antonelli keeps piling up wins, Russell’s going to have to fight more than just the stopwatch. Losing to your teammate over and over starts to mess with your head. Russell began the season as the guy to beat, but the longer this keeps up, the tougher it gets to grab hold of the story again.
He’s holding firm, for now. But F1 doesn’t wait for anyone. What does Russell call “just a tricky run”? Well, if momentum doesn’t swing his way soon, it could become a whole lot more than that.
MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES FRONT ROW IN MIAMI AS RED BULL UPGRADES DELIVER IMMEDIATE RESULTS
Charles Leclerc admitted surprise at Red Bull's pace after Max Verstappen finished P2, just 0.166s behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
Charles Leclerc expected Red Bull to bounce back, but he couldn’t help admiring Max Verstappen’s raw speed at the Miami Grand Prix.
Red Bull rolled into Miami with a big upgrade, looking to recover after a rough start to the season. Verstappen, a four-time world champ, landed his Red Bull in second during qualifying. He was only 0.166 seconds behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, nearly snatching pole. After qualifying, Verstappen said he finally feels like he’s back in control of his car.
Leclerc was impressed by the turnaround. “Honestly, it’s not shocking to see Kimi up there. Mercedes has been the quickest team this year, and Kimi’s been amazing these last few races,” Leclerc said. “But Max and Red Bull are coming back like this? That’s a bit more surprising. The upgrades clearly worked, and you can’t forget how strong that team really is. You never expect them to just sit back and accept a slow start.”
He added, “We figured they’d come back swinging, but to see them right back on the front row after struggling at the start… that’s something else. It’s pretty remarkable. Still, my job’s the same: beat those guys. That’s where my head’s at right now.”
Leclerc had to settle for third on the grid for Sunday’s race. Ferrari looked strong early in qualifying, but their hopes faded by Q3.
He talked about the changing conditions, but didn’t think that’s what hurt Ferrari. “The wind definitely played a part, but track temperature wasn’t all that different, so I don’t think that’s the reason,” he said. “Maybe the track changed, and we didn’t see it coming, or maybe pushing harder today in qualifying just made our car’s weak spots stand out more.”
Leclerc admitted he hadn’t dug into the numbers yet; he’d just gotten out of the car. “We’ll have to check the details to figure out exactly where we lost time.”
