F1 Expert Drops Max Verstappen Bombshell After Speaking to Red Bull Staff

Ex-Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 expert Karun Chandhok has dropped a Max Verstappen bombshell after speaking to Red Bull staff.

Last weekend, Verstappen's four-year reign as world champion was ended by Lando Norris, who clinched his maiden F1 crown.

The 28-year-old Dutchman produced a monumental comeback to take the title race to the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, but ultimately finished two points behind Norris in the official standings.

Looking ahead to 2026, it remains to be seen which teams will be the frontrunners as F1 will introduce a new set of regulations, designed to produce closer battles on track.

However, speaking recently on the Sky Sport F1 Show, Chandhok raised doubts over whether Verstappen will enjoy the new regulations.

He said: "There's consideration as to how much Max will enjoy the new generation of the car. I know there are a few at Red Bull who said to me at the airport in São Paulo, I was chatting to them at the gate.

"They were all a bit nervous saying actually Max might not enjoy F1 2026 as much and that might be tricky because it is a very different style of racing."

Chandhok added: "They hope it's not the case, but you know, if that is the case, it might favour the other car, in this case Hadjar, so let's see."

Speaking earlier in the year, Mercedes star George Russell spoke about the team's confidence ahead of 2026.

The Brit stated that Mercedes are 'feeling really confident' about the new era of F1 and previous successes could drive the team back towards the top of the standings.

Max Verstappen won the 2025 finale in Abu Dhabi. Image: Getty

Max Verstappen announces exclusive partnership ahead of 2026

A few days on from his disappointment in Abu Dhabi, it was announced that Verstappen had partnered with Fanatics to give fans better and quicker access to his merchandise.

The Dutchman will become the first active athlete to partner with Fanatics Commerce to open a global online store.

Trading cards manufacturer Topps will release a super-rare 1/1 card - the rarest card they have ever produced for any athlete, called an Only1, and it will exist for Verstappen’s entire career. The card commemorates the Red Bull superstar's record-breaking lap at Monza, the fastest recorded in F1 history.

Speaking about the partnership with Fanatics, Verstappen said: "It is great to partner with Fanatics and provide exclusive products and experience to all of my fans, no matter where they are in the world.

"I look forward to working with the Fanatics teams across merchandise and collectables to create products and experiences that feel authentic to my journey and give fans something special to collect and enjoy globally."