What now for Verstappen? "This is a hammer blow to him"

The news about Honda's departure from Formula 1 came as a big surprise to many. Especially now that the Japanese engine supplier has invested so much in the cooperation with Red Bull. However, the most frequently asked question is: what will this mean for Max Verstappen?

Hammer blow for Verstappen

Journalist Lawrence Barretto analyses Honda's departure on the Formula 1 website. He also discusses the consequences for Verstappen. "He’ll have likely known in advance of the news being made public, of course, but this is something of a hammerblow to the Dutchman given the uncertainty it creates at a team where he only recently committed to staying until the end of 2023.”

Barretto also mentions that Verstappen has always been very involved and helpful towards Honda since they joined the team. "He has been encouraged by where they are taking the project. The prospect of a return to Renault, of whom he was critical during their time together, is not good.”

What are the options for Verstappen?

Barretto thinks that Verstappen will wait for Red Bull's plans, but will certainly consider his options. There are not many other options than Red Bull Racing for Verstappen, the journalist thinks. "Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are tied in at Ferrari until the end of 2024 and 2022 respectively. Lewis Hamilton looks set to sign a fresh deal with Mercedes, that will likely keep him at the team until at least the end of 2022.”

Yet you never know in Formula 1, Barretto thinks. "Then again, we have seen recently that contracts can be terminated early, with Racing Point doing just that with Sergio Perez, so a merry-go-round of F1’s biggest names is not impossible. Either way, these are interesting times for one of F1’s most highly-rated young stars.”, he concludes.