Max Verstappen rules out major F1 move

Max Verstappen has ruled out the possibility of taking a sabbatical from the F1 grid as rumours over his future intensify.

The four-time champion has also suggested he will look to incorporate other racing programmes alongside his F1 duties going forward.

Verstappen has been linked with a switch to Mercedes ahead of the sport's new era in 2026 under fresh technical regulations.

However, with various unknowns over the pecking order of next year's grid, it has been suggested Verstappen could seek to take a year out and return for the following season when he has an overview of the competitive order.

Verstappen indicated he has no intention of leaving the grid in the very near future despite his interest in other racing comeptions.

“[I’ll race] F1 for sure and I'll try in the future, combine it with any kind of other racing that is possible, that I can prepare for,” he told media including RacingNews365.

“Because I do want to explore a bit out of F1 which I’m already doing with testing, but eventually also racing.”

When asked if there would be a sabbatical from F1, Verstappen replied: “No, no, for sure [not].”

Max Verstappen reserved over Mercedes F1 links

Verstappen enters the British Grand Prix weekend with major scrutiny over a potential switch to Mercedes hanging over his head.

When asked about the links, Verstappen remained tight-lipped over the subject, as was the case one week ago.

“I have nothing else to add compared to what I said last week [in Austria], to be honest,” he said.

“Everything that I've said that week is still the same. Nothing has changed from my side.”

Verstappen is looking for a return to form following a difficult event in Spielberg, where he was eliminated on the opening lap of the grand prix following contact with Kimi Antonelli.

With the result leaving him 61 points adrift in the drivers' championship, Verstappen labelled it as a missed opportunity.

“Last week we didn't have a great result,” he said. “I think it was not a great weekend, but also a bit unlucky in general. 

“I don't say that we would have been challenging McLaren, but we could have had a decent result.”