Red Bull 'nervous' over Max Verstappen F1 future

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has revealed members of the Red Bull team are “nervous” that Max Verstappen could call time on his career early.

The sport is gearing up for a major regulation change next year with significant changes coming to both the chassis and power unit rules. 

It is set to see the competitors drive the cars in a much different fashion to what they are used to and place increased focus on energy deployment and management.

A handful of drivers have voiced concern over the machines based on what they have experienced in the simulator and it is a point that has seemingly been internally discussed at Red Bull.

According to Chandhok, a number of team members are concerned that Verstappen will not take kindly to the sport's new era

“There's also consideration as to how much Max will enjoy the new generation car,” Chandhok told Sky F1.

“There's a few people at Red Bull - at the airport in Sao Paulo I was chatting to some of them at the gate - and they were all a bit nervous.

“[They were] saying, 'Actually, we're a bit concerned Max just might not enjoy F1 2026, as much'. 

“That might be tricky, because it is a very different style of racing. 

“They hope that's not the case. If that is the case, it might favour the other car - in this case, Hadjar.”

Verstappen has voiced his concern regarding the future of the sport on several ocassions, covering various areas such as the increased schedule and the augmented inclusion of sprint race events.

He has already addressed the possibility of moving on from F1 next year, declaring he could opt to do so if the new regulations are not “fun”.

But when asked there is a chance Verstappen could opt to walk away mid-season if the new car is not to his liking, Chandhok said: “This year proved actually, that he doesn't do that, does he? 

“He doesn't walk away from it.”

Verstappen's Red Bull contract is set to expire at the end of the 2028 season.