– The next Formula 1 expert is now slightly annoyed by Max Verstappen’s retirement threats. Martin Brundle explains to Sky: “I think what he’s saying is starting to get a bit boring. Either he goes or he stops talking about it.”
Read more WRC Croatia Rally 2026: Neuville benefits from Toyota punctures
“Nobody is irreplaceable in this business,” emphasizes the former Formula 1 driver and explains: “Over time, I have seen a number of extraordinary personalities in this sport who are no longer here today or are doing something else.”
“And the sport continues anyway,” says Brundle, striking a very similar chord to Ralf Schumacher. The German recently said about Verstappen in the podcast Backstage Boxengasse: “Then he just has to go home, it’s no big deal.”
Brundle sees it the same way, after Verstappen has repeatedly stated publicly recently that Formula 1 is no longer fun for him under the new regulations. Although Verstappen’s talent is “extraordinary,” the expert emphasizes.
But: “The moment we stop, people will talk about whoever does the job next. There are a number of Antonellis, Bearmans, and Lindblads out there who would do the job incredibly well for one percent of the money.”
Read more NLS3 2026: Schubert-BMW wins after KCMG penalty
Ralf Schumacher: Why Verstappen’s downfall plays into Hamilton’s hands
“The sport will simply move on if Max decides to leave. But in the meantime, he is doing quite a lot of damage [with his statements],” Brundle criticizes. Instead, Verstappen should just try to make the best of the situation.
Brundle considers it quite possible that he could theoretically leave Red Bull at the end of the year. “I have absolutely no doubt that his management has included an exit clause for the end of this year, given the fact that they are developing their own powertrain for the first time,” he says.
“Nevertheless, I would be surprised if he really quit,” says Brundle, who clearly emphasizes: “Do I believe he would just quit Formula 1? No, I don’t think so – provided he gets a car that suits him.”
- Nürburgring Endurance SeriesNLS3 2026: Schubert-BMW wins after KCMG penalty
- MotoGPExclusive: Yamaha brings in Ai Ogura as teammate of Jorge Martin 2027
- GT-World-ChallengeFree livestream GTWC Europe: Tramnitz, Rossi and Stroll in Le Castellet
- Formula 1Start problems hide everything: This is how superior Mercedes really is!
Ralf Schumacher had also previously stated that he did not assume “that Max will give that up so quickly.” And like Brundle, he also emphasized: “If Max Verstappen stops, quite honestly, then that’s just how it is. Then the next one comes along.”
Read more Criticism of George Russell: “He is playing a certain game there”
