Jenson Button makes Max Verstappen prediction over F1 exit

2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button does not believe Max Verstappen would be interested in taking a sabbatical from the sport.

Verstappen has voiced his disappointment with the new-for-2026 cars and the techniques required to extract lap time, with a heavy emphasis on battery deployment from the power unit.

Adding to his frustrations, Red Bull has been unable to challenge at the front of the grid this year and remains without a podium after the opening three rounds.

This has led to speculation over Verstappen’s future, with the four-time champion himself admitting his distaste for the new regulations could push him towards the exit.

While some have suggested Verstappen could take a year out before returning, Button does not see it playing out that way.

“Personally, it doesn’t feel like he’s the kind of guy who takes a sabbatical,” Button told Sky F1. “He’s either racing or he’s not.

“If he wants to stop and go do something else, that’s fun as well.

“I think this will be his last ‘career’ in F1. I don’t think he’ll take a year out and come back. I don’t think that’s the Max I’ve come to know.”

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Verstappen central to driver market decisions - Button

Verstappen is also set to lose another significant figure in his camp after McLaren announced earlier this month that it had signed Gianpiero Lambiase from 2028.

Lambiase has served as Verstappen's race engineer since the Dutchman was promoted to the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2016.

As anticipation over Verstappen's future builds, Button insisted the 28-year-old will be central to the driver market fallout.

“Only a few weeks before it was announced that Lambiase was going to McLaren, Max came out and said ‘I can’t ever imagine racing with him by my side’,” Button said.

“But it’s 2028, it’s another two years ago. We’ll see.

“But it’s exciting, there’s so much to look forward to with the driver market over the next few years.

“Max is always going to be the centre of attention because he’s in a car, at the moment, that’s not performing.

“We’re used to him being at the front, and he’s not.”