'Max Verstappen could just quit Formula One earlier than '28''

The internal hassle at Red Bull Racing is not something that makes Max Verstappen happy. The reigning Formula One world champion is averse to politics, he just wants to do what he loves most: racing a car really hard. He could care less about all the peripheral issues. With that in mind, David Croft, Sky Sport's F1 commentator, is already holding out for the Dutchman to announce his retirement from Formula 1 in the relatively near future.

It is no secret that Toto Wolff is keen to bring Verstappen to Mercedes before 2025. Croft - like Fernando Alonso - does not at all believe in the Dutchman moving from the currently best team to Mercedes, an outfit currently playing a supporting role in Formula 1. The commentator points out that during the press conference before the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed his delight at being able to compete for Red Bull. But there is a side note, according to Croft.

"He also chuckled to himself when he said, of course, I don't know if I want to be driving in 2026 or not. And that's a more pertinent point, is when is Max Verstappen going to stop? And I think, you know, he's contracted until 2028, and then he will take a long, hard look at whether he's still enjoying Formula One or not. But he might do it a little bit sooner. There are other priorities in Max Verstappen's life, not just going out and winning races and winning championships," Croft believes.

Vettel perhaps at Mercedes?

If Verstappen drops out for Mercedes - as Croft thus suspects - Sebastian Vettel might be an option. But the Brit does not believe in that either. If Croft had to choose now who will eventually be Lewis Hamilton's successor, he puts his money on youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli or three-time GP winner Carlos Sainz.