Karun Chandhok has revealed that Crimson Bull are “nervous” about Max Verstappen’s future in F1.
Verstappen got here near lacking out on a fifth consecutive World Championship title in 2025, along with his four-year reign on the prime of F1 dropped at an finish by Lando Norris, simply two factors behind the McLaren driver.
The Dutchman’s future will likely be a scorching matter in 2026, relying on Crimson Bull’s efficiency and the competitiveness of F1’s first in-house energy unit because it enters a brand new regulation period.
Sky Sports activities F1 pundit and former driver Chandhok stated some inside Crimson Bull shared the staff’s considerations about Verstappen’s future.
“It is also taken into consideration how a lot Max will get pleasure from the brand new era automotive,” Chandhok stated on the F1 Present podcast.
“There are some individuals at Crimson Bull and I used to be chatting to them on the gate on the airport in São Paulo they usually have been all just a little nervous.
“[They]stated, ‘Really, we’re just a little apprehensive that Max will not be having fun with F1 as a lot in 2026.’
“It may be troublesome as a result of it is a very totally different fashion of racing.
“They hope that is not the case. If that is the case, one other automotive, on this case Hajar, might need a bonus.”
When requested if Verstappen may depart mid-season if he does not just like the automotive, Chandhok replied: “This 12 months has confirmed that he does not try this, proper?” He isn’t going to run away from it. ”
Verstappen admitted his long-term future in F1 will largely rely upon how “enjoyable” the following era of vehicles is to drive.
Verstappen: “I will be in the most effective automotive in 2027”
Verstappen has been linked to the likes of Mercedes and Aston Martin over the previous 12 months.
Chandhok believes the 28-year-old can have the posh of selecting the place he desires to drive in 2027 until Crimson Bull presents him a aggressive automotive.
“Max Verstappen will likely be in the most effective automotive in 2027. We do not know but which one it is going to be. He does not know but both,” Chandhok added.
“The primary quarter of subsequent 12 months will likely be a interval for him to observe, observe, analyze and assume. I feel he’ll make a alternative by the summer season.”
“Each staff on the grid will welcome him with open arms as a result of, as we now have all confirmed, he’s the highest canine on the grid as we speak.”
“The larger query is concerning the powertrain, will it’s totally operational?
“If they’ve a robust energy unit subsequent 12 months and the automotive is nice they usually have regained route in the direction of the tip of the season, there is no such thing as a cause for him to depart. In an surroundings the place he’s the undisputed primary driver, however we are going to wait and see.”
