'Max Verstappen considers taking break from F1 after 2025 season'

The summer has not even begun, but the so-called Silly Season is in full swing. At the center of all transfer rumors? Max Verstappen.

While the world champion himself says he is not considering leaving Red Bull Racing, people like Ralf Schumacher are sure that Verstappen will definitively leave the Austrian team.

Mercedes and Aston Martin are mentioned as possible destinations for Verstappen in 2026, when Formula 1 will be subject to a new set of regulations. Reportedly, Mercedes has the best engine for the upcoming season, while the ambitious Aston Martin has two interesting irons in the fire for Verstappen with Honda and designer Adrian Newey.

A sabbatical for Verstappen?

The British newspaper The Daily Mail, often well-informed about Red Bull Racing, reports this Friday from Saudi Arabia - where the next Grand Prix will take place - that there is another option for Verstappen: a sabbatical to participate in other forms of motorsport, only to return to Formula 1 in 2027.

It is no secret that Verstappen does not want to be an F1 driver forever and would also like to be active in other racing classes at some point. Racing in the World Endurance Championship - particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans - is high on his wish list. Advising his own GT team of Verstappen.com Racing also takes up a lot of Verstappen's time.

However, it is important to mention that - despite the British newspaper's reports - GPblog has never heard from its sources that a (temporary) break from Formula 1 is an option for Verstappen.