F1 fans predict Max Verstappen exit, with 2026 seen as most likely departure date

A significant portion of Formula 1 fans believe Max Verstappen will leave the sport before his Red Bull contract expires, with a poll showing the end of the 2026 season as the most popular predicted exit point. The four-time champion's future remains a persistent topic of speculation due to his vocal criticisms of the sport's direction and his desire to explore other racing disciplines.

Why it matters:

Verstappen is the sport's dominant force and a major draw for fans and sponsors. His potential early departure would create a seismic shift in F1's competitive and commercial landscape, potentially opening the door for a new era of rivalry at the front. The fan sentiment reflects a growing belief that Verstappen's commitment is conditional on his enjoyment of the sport's evolving format and technical rules.

The details:

• A RacingNews365 poll asked fans to vote on Verstappen's F1 future, with his current contract running through the end of 2028.
• The most popular choice, selected by 44.17% of voters, was that Verstappen will leave the sport at the end of the 2026 campaign.
• The second-most selected option (24.86%) was that he will see out his contract until the end of 2028 before walking away.
• Only 17.46% of voters believe he will sign a new deal to stay in F1 beyond 2028.
• Verstappen has repeatedly stated that his continued participation hinges on whether he finds the new-generation 2026 cars "fun" to drive.
• His concerns extend to the increasing number of sprint events and the upcoming technical regulation changes.
• The Dutchman has also expressed a strong interest in expanding his racing portfolio, particularly in endurance competitions like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Verstappen's demeanor and public comments as F1 approaches the 2026 regulatory shift. His satisfaction—or lack thereof—with the new car philosophy and the sport's overall direction will be the ultimate decider. If fan predictions prove accurate, the next two seasons could be a prolonged farewell tour for one of the sport's most dominant champions, fundamentally altering the driver market and the championship battle.