Max Verstappen delays Formula 1 future decision amid Red Bull struggles
Max Verstappen says he is in no rush to decide his Formula 1 future as the Red Bull driver evaluates his options ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
The Dutchman recently suggested he could walk away from the sport following a highly frustrating start to the 2026 season.
Sweeping new regulation changes have severely hampered Red Bull’s performance, leaving the reigning constructors’ champions fighting an unfamiliar midfield battle.
However, speaking before the race in Florida, the defending world champion insisted there is no immediate update on his racing plans.
“I still have time and I’m taking my time,” he said.
Engineer departure will not dictate future
Speculation regarding a potential exit intensified following the shock announcement that his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will join McLaren by 2028.
Lambiase has guided the 28-year-old through every race since 2016, prompting past claims from the driver that he would quit if they were ever separated.
Despite those previous assertions, the Dutch racer clarified that his colleague’s impending switch has no bearing on his own career trajectory.
“We have a very honest and open relationship, so that was all good,” he explained.
“I wish him all the best and for me there was no hard feelings on that.”
Red Bull search for performance
Red Bull have introduced significant car upgrades for the Miami weekend in a desperate bid to close the gap to their rivals.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit have struggled to adapt to the new 2026 ruleset, falling noticeably behind the leading pack.
“We are a little bit further behind at the moment than what we had last year,” Verstappen conceded.
“I just hope that we can escape a little bit that midfield battle, and we can be actually a bit further up front.”
