F1 LIVE | Bahrain GP uncertainty grows as Verstappen’s F1 future debated

Although the Bahrain Grand Prix is still weeks away, time is far tighter than it appears. The race weekend scheduled for April 12 may seem distant on the calendar, but behind the scenes preparations cannot be delayed. Once the Japanese Grand Prix wraps up on March 29, part of Formula 1’s freight is due to head straight to Bahrain — meaning key logistical moves must begin within the next few weeks.

That plan, however, is currently hanging in the balance. Bahrain’s airspace remains closed, along with that of several neighbouring Gulf countries, effectively grounding flights across the region. As a result, individuals including Nyck de Vries and members of the McLaren team are still confined to their hotel, with no certainty over when travel restrictions will be lifted.

Against the backdrop of rising tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran, there is little indication that the situation will calm anytime soon. With the clock ticking, Formula 1 is edging closer to a pivotal call: proceed as scheduled, postpone the event, or remove the race from the calendar altogether.

Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is unlikely to still be competing in Formula 1 a decade from now, despite the Dutchman not yet having reached the age of 30.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former F1 driver explained that Verstappen’s own words offer clear insight into his long-term mindset, describing the reigning champion as refreshingly straightforward about his ambitions.

According to Brundle, Verstappen has never hidden the fact that he is not motivated by chasing historical records or extending his career purely for statistics, but rather intends to race only for as long as he continues to enjoy it — especially given that financial success is no longer a driving factor.

Brundle also pointed to Verstappen’s wide-ranging interests outside Formula 1, including GT racing and sim racing, as further signs that his future may eventually lie elsewhere. For that reason, he concluded that he does not expect Verstappen to still be on the F1 grid in ten years’ time.