George Russell claims Max Verstappen could take a ‘sabbatical’ before 2026 season

Max Verstappen might require a break from Red Bull during the new set of regulations in 2026.

George Russell claims Max Verstappen could take a ‘sabbatical’ before 2026 season

George Russell and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has been racing with the Red Bull family since 2014 when he joined the Red Bull driver academy. Hence, the Dutchman has been quite loyal to the energy drink manufacturing giant in Formula 1. However, with Red Bull’s recent struggles and degrading form, the reigning world champion might need a break. George Russell reckoned that the 26-year-old could take a sabbatical before the regulation changes of the 2026 season.

Max Verstappen has remained vocal in terms of facing the struggles in the RB20 in the recent races. As a result, the Dutchman could consider his options before the regulation changes in 2026. Upon the possibility of Verstappen to Mercedes, George Russell highlighted that he had the honor to work alongside drivers who had more pole positions and victories. Hence, the Briton wouldn’t escape from confronting the reigning world champion, neither would Russell ‘veto’ Verstappen’s arrival to Mercedes.

I have already had to deal with the driver who has more pole position and more F1 victories I would not escape a confrontation with Verstappen nor would I veto his arrival.
George Russel said, as reported by dailymail.com.
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Subsequently, the 26-year-old reckoned that the only thing he could do was play the calibers and showcase his performances. This would enable him to show off his race craft against the overachieving Max Verstappen in F1. Apart from this, Russell mentioned that Verstappen taking a sabbatical from Red Bull in 2026 wouldn’t be surprising for the sport. The Dutchman would take a look at the teams performing well during the new set of regulations and consider joining them.

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The only thing I can do and play with these calibres and show off my performances. It wouldn't surprise me if Max took a sabbatical year in 2026 to see which one will be the best team. 2026 is a lottery.
George Russell noted.

George Russell claims Formula 1 has had the ‘Verstappen era’ since the regulation changes

Max Verstappen has eliminated competition early on in the past two seasons. Red Bull aced the ground-effect era and showcased a dominant campaign. Russell acknowledged this fact and noted that although F1 has had a ‘Verstappen era’, they had to wait for the past six years when Mercedes won.

F1 has had the Verstappen era lately, but for six years it has had to wait.
George Russell added.
Max Verstappen, elmut Marko and Christian Horner
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)

Additionally, Russell shared his opinions on his allegiance with Mercedes from the coming seasons. The Briton mentioned that he wanted to stay true to Brackley as they gave him a chance to race in F1. However, the 26-year-old had his priorities on winning the world championship. Hence, the Englishman declared that Mercedes wasn’t the best team currently and compared it to the highly positive-looking McLaren.

I want to stay true to Mercedes which gave me the opportunity to race in F1, but I want to become world champion. Right now we are not the best team, but the McLaren was at the bottom of the group a year ago and are now the fastest.
George Russell concluded.

The 2024 season could come close for Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. Hence, Mercedes will have to keep up with the in-season upgrades to catch up with Verstappen in the lead. Brackley has continued to struggle throughout the ground-effect era and will have to keep upgrading the chassis. The end-season battle between the top-order of the teams would be highly interesting.

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