Verstappen silences the sabbatical rumours at Imola: "Definitely not true"

In recent weeks, there has been talk that the Dutchman might take a sabbatical from Formula 1, stepping aside for a year, with various figures previously expressing their opinions on a potential sabbatical for Verstappen, including 1996 World Champion Damon Hill.

However, according to the Dutchman himself, this is not going to happen; instead, his intention is to "persevere" in the sport's premier class for the coming years.

Hill suggested that it might benefit Verstappen to take a sabbatical, allowing him a year to wait and see which teams perform well or not so well under the new regulations of the 2026 season.

"He's young enough, I think, to take it. It's hard in this game, but someone of his ability, he could take a year out, and it would be like no time has passed. He'd slot straight back in again," said Hill.

Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola also previously spoke about a possible sabbatical for Verstappen, but he indicated then that he was not in favour of the idea.

"If I were him, I wouldn't think about it at all. And if I saw an offer of 300 million, I would smile, just like anyone would," the Italian explained.

But at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, while speaking to De Telegraaf, Verstappen was quick to put these rumours to bed.

"That is definitely not true. There is no question about that. My intention is to keep going at least until 2028 in Formula 1. Obviously, I don't like everything in this environment, but I do enjoy working with the people around me and the racing itself. Although a fourth place, like in Miami, is not what I aim for, it's still better than finishing last," the Dutchman stated.