Johnny Herbert weighs in on Verstappen’s potential sabbatical Four-time Formula One World Champion and current Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen is once again at the centre of speculation, but this time it’s not about records or victories. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has weighed in on the growing rumours of a possible sabbatical for Verstappen, suggesting that taking a break could be a risky gamble for the Dutch star.
The possibility of Verstappen stepping away from the grid, even temporarily, has arisen amid Red Bull Racing’s apparent struggles. Once the dominant force in Formula One, Red Bull’s supremacy has waned, with much of their points haul now almost entirely attributed to Verstappen’s extraordinary driving abilities. As the team faces challenges, particularly in preparing for seismic regulatory changes in 2026, Verstappen’s future looks increasingly uncertain.
Red Bull’s struggles spark exit rumours
Red Bull’s problems extend beyond the track. Their progress in developing a new power unit for 2026, when F1’s technical regulations are set to undergo a major overhaul, has been slow and unconvincing. Many paddock insiders believe the reigning champions will struggle under the new rules, creating a perfect storm of uncertainty that could tempt Verstappen to look elsewhere.
With this in mind, Verstappen has frequently been linked with a move to rival teams, most notably Mercedes and Aston Martin. Aston Martin, backed by massive investment in technology, infrastructure and personnel, is increasingly seen as the future powerhouse of Formula One. However, with 2026 presenting many unknowns, some insiders have suggested that Verstappen could consider a radical alternative: a sabbatical year to watch and wait before committing to a new team.
Johnny Herbert, who raced in F1 between 1989 and 2000 and won three Grand Prix, weighed in on the bold idea in an interview with coincasino.com.
Why a sabbatical could be tempting for Verstappen
Herbert admits that the idea of a sabbatical is not without merit. From his perspective, a temporary break would not diminish Verstappen’s passion for racing.
“He certainly wouldn’t lose his passion for racing if he took a break,” Herbert affirmed.
According to Herbert, the advantage of a sabbatical is clear: Verstappen could assess the competitive landscape in 2026 without committing to a struggling team. By waiting to see which constructors adapt best to the new regulations, Verstappen could make an informed decision and secure a seat with the most competitive outfit.
“With a year off, Verstappen could wait and see which car delivers in 2026 and then use that knowledge to move to one of those strong teams,” Herbert explains.
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Despite the theoretical benefits, Herbert is quick to warn against such a move. He believes the risks outweigh the potential rewards.
“I think he’ll want to be with a team from the start of the new regulations, to take responsibility and to tune the car to his driving style,” says Herbert.
Being part of a team during the critical transition period would allow Verstappen to shape the development of a car according to his preferences, which could be crucial to maintaining his competitive edge.
Herbert also highlighted the significant dangers of missing out on a top seat. If Verstappen misses the 2026 season, he could find himself completely shut out of the best teams. Herbert pointed to the example of Mercedes, where young phenom Kimi Antonelli and established star George Russell could take the top spots if the team produces a strong car.
“If Mercedes is really good and Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are consistently first and second, Verstappen will have lost his chance to join the team,” Herbert warned.
Aston Martin: An uncertain bet
Even assuming Aston Martin’s future is bright, Herbert noted that Verstappen would still be gambling heavily by backing them.
“If one of the two teams dominates next season, they won’t want to fix what isn’t broken,” Herbert stressed. Winning teams are notoriously reluctant to disrupt a successful driver line-up, meaning Verstappen could find himself without a natural opening even at Aston Martin.
For now, Herbert believes Aston Martin is Verstappen’s best potential destination, especially if Red Bull’s struggles continue. According to him, a move to Aston Martin in 2026 would “make the most sense” given the signs that they are shaping up to be the team to beat in the coming years.
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The power of pairing Verstappen with Newey
A particularly tantalising prospect for Herbert is the possibility of Verstappen reuniting with Adrian Newey, the legendary designer behind many of Red Bull’s greatest cars. Although Newey’s role at Red Bull has evolved, any future collaboration between him and Verstappen could be formidable.
“If they had Verstappen alongside [world champion car builder] Adrian Newey, it would be almost a guarantee of victory,” Herbert hinted.
It would be a dream scenario for many fans, pairing one of the sport’s greatest drivers with its most famous technical mastermind.
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A dangerous gamble
While the idea of a sabbatical offers some strategic advantages, the dangers are numerous. Johnny Herbert’s advice is clear: “Max Verstappen, for all his immense talent and achievements, should be wary of sitting out the season with so much at stake.
Formula One is a sport where momentum, opportunity and presence matter immensely. Sitting on the sidelines could close doors faster than they open, even for a driver of Verstappen’s calibre. With the 2026 rule changes looming, Verstappen will soon have to decide whether to stay the course, seek a fresh start elsewhere or risk it all by walking away.
One thing is certain: in the high-stakes world of Formula One, even the greatest champions have to choose their gambles carefully.
Interested in more Formula 1 insights? Stay tuned for updates on Verstappen’s next move and the future of the sport as the 2026 revolution approaches.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
