Juan Pablo Montoya believes discuss of Max Verstappen taking a sabbatical from F1 can be “silly”, warning he would threat an unsuccessful comeback.
Verstappen’s F1 future stays a sizzling subject amid Purple Bull’s decline in kind.
After six rounds in F1 2025, Verstappen sits third within the drivers’ standings, 32 factors behind Oscar Piastri.
McLaren have gained 5 of the six opening races, with Verstappen taking one victory at Suzuka.
Except the flexi-wing clampdown considerably impacts McLaren’s efficiency, it’s unlikely Verstappen will take a fifth consecutive title this 12 months.
Purple Bull’s decline has sparked ideas Verstappen might look to depart the workforce.
With the brand new guidelines coming into play in 2026, one concept is that Verstappen takes a sabbatical to evaluate which groups have nailed the brand new rules earlier than deciding who to signal for.
Montoya thinks taking a break from F1 can be a foul concept.
“All of the information about drivers transferring groups are rumours, so we don’t know something for positive,” Montoya instructed Spin Genie.
“However, supposedly, Max Verstappen must be out of the highest three of the Drivers Championship to activate a launch clause in his contract. So if Verstappen continues the best way he’s, there’s no means out of the Purple Bull. The one out he can have can be to not race subsequent 12 months and take a sabbatical.
“I believe a sabbatical for Verstappen can be silly. Folks will have a look at Verstappen differently when he comes again, a bit bit like what occurred to Michael Schumacher. Verstappen will come again to try to show some extent, he’ll be overly aggressive and it’ll spiral uncontrolled.”
What’s going to Verstappen do for 2026?
Verstappen’s present Purple Bull contract runs out on the finish of 2028.
Nevertheless, it’s thought that there’s an exit clause in his contract which will be activated relying on the place he’s within the championship standings.
Verstappen’s choices for 2026 aren’t completely clear, nonetheless.
Mercedes expressed severe curiosity in signing Verstappen final 12 months as they regarded for a Lewis Hamilton alternative.
Verstappen was unwilling to depart Purple Bull, which meant Kimi Antonelli obtained the call-up.
Honda will energy Aston Martin from subsequent 12 months and have been linked with Verstappen over the previous 12 months.
Adrian Newey is spearheading their design workforce, one other issue that would assist them signal Verstappen.
