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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen given blunt ultimatum by F1 legend over his future

Max Verstappen Martin Brundle F1 Red Bull
  • Max Verstappen has threatened to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season, expressing dissatisfaction with new regulations and the quality of racing.
  • Sky Sports pundit and former F1 driver Martin Brundle has told Verstappen to "quit or stop talking" about retirement, finding his repeated complaints "boring".
  • Brundle acknowledged Verstappen's exceptional talent but emphasised that no one is "indispensable" in Formula 1, and the sport would continue without him.
  • Verstappen's Red Bull team is currently underperforming, trailing Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren in the 2026 season.
  • It is understood Verstappen has an exit clause in his £50m Red Bull contract, allowing him to leave at the end of the current season if he is not in the top two of the drivers' championship by the summer break; he is currently ninth.

IN FULL

Martin Brundle sends clear message to ‘boring’ Max Verstappen: ‘Either go or stop talking’

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