Former Formula 1 champion Damon Hill believes that it would be “wise” for Max Verstappen to consider his options away from Red Bull, including potentially taking some time out of the sport.
Despite being in contract with the Milton Keynes outfit until 2028, his future with the team has been a popular topic of debate. As with any contract in F1, there will be exit clauses on both sides. On top of these exit clauses, Red Bull’s current struggles, the 2026 regulation change, and Adrian Newey and Honda’s exits from the team have only fueled speculation about his future.
During an appearance on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast, Hill discussed Verstappen’s future, including the possibility of moving to Mercedes or taking some time out to understand the performance of the teams in the new regulations.
“I mean, Red Bull are fighting to retain Max Verstappen. I mean, there is a clause in the contract. It’s been explained quite clearly that there’s a performance clause, and if they don’t match the performance clause, and let’s be honest, he’s never delivering less than 100%,” argued the 1996 world champion.
“If they don’t give him that, then he’s free to go wherever he wants. So, Red Bull are under pressure.Where can he go? I don’t know. George is on the verge of signing, they say, with Mercedes again, and then that’s that blocked out. I don’t know.
“I think he could. It might be a wise thing to do when you can see which way the wind’s going to blow after these new regulation changes. He’s young, he’s won four world championships, he’s won goodness how many races.
Damon Hill, Sky F1
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“Nobody knows what’s on the other side of the end of this season. What is going to happen? He could sit back next year and go, OK, I can see which way the future’s going to go for the next 10 years and whatever team is doing well will find the money to pay for having Max.”
Verstappen is currently third in the drivers’ standings with 99 points, 32 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.
