Karun Chandhok has disclosed that Red Bull is feeling uneasy about Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1. Verstappen narrowly missed securing his fifth straight World Championship in 2025, losing the title to Lando Norris by just two points, ending his four-year dominance in the sport.
Looking ahead to 2026, Verstappen’s future will be a significant topic of discussion, influenced by Red Bull’s performance and how competitive F1’s first in-house power unit proves to be under the new regulations. Chandhok, a former F1 driver and Sky Sports pundit, mentioned that some people at Red Bull have voiced worries about Verstappen’s enjoyment of the new generation cars. During a conversation at São Paulo airport, he noted that insiders admitted they were concerned Verstappen might not find the 2026 cars as enjoyable to race.
Chandhok explained that the style of racing with the new cars is quite different, which could potentially give an edge to other cars like Hajar. When asked if Verstappen might quit mid-season if unhappy with the new car, Chandhok responded that Max has shown this year he wouldn’t run away from challenges.
Verstappen himself has said his decision to continue in F1 long-term will depend largely on how enjoyable the next generation cars are to drive.
Regarding Verstappen’s future beyond 2026, he has been linked with teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin. Chandhok believes that by 2027, Verstappen will be driving the best car, though it’s not yet clear which team that will be. The first few months of 2026 will give him time to evaluate his options, with a decision expected by summer. Every team on the grid is likely to welcome him due to his dominant status. The key question remains whether Red Bull’s power unit will be competitive and fully functional next year. If it is, and the team continues to provide a strong car where he remains the undisputed lead driver, there would be no strong reason for him to leave.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for racing enthusiasts as Verstappen’s potential move or stay could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. His decision will impact team dynamics, rivalries, and the excitement surrounding the new generation of cars in the sport.
