Max Verstappen has reportedly made a Red Bull-related decision just hours after missing out on the Formula 1 world championship.
On Sunday, Verstappen's reign as F1 world champion came to an end despite victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Dutchman needed title rival Lando Norris to finish fourth or lower to win the title, but the McLaren star finished P3 to seal his maiden world championship.
In the end, after an epic battle, Verstappen lost out by just two points.
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Speaking after the race, Verstappen reflected on the monumental comeback he made in the second half of the season, having crawled back a deficit of more than 100 points.
He said: "From our side, at least we optimised the weekend perfectly – we put it on pole, we won the race in I think dominant fashion, so there is nothing really that you can say about that.
"At the end of course, then you lose the championship by two points [and it] looks painful, but on the other hand, if you look from where we were in Zandvoort, more than 100 behind, then I think it’s not too bad."
Looking ahead, it has been reported that Verstappen has now opted to miss Red Bull's post-season testing in Abu Dhabi.
As per usual, teams will undergo the Pirelli tyre test at the end of the season, using the compounds for the 2026 season.
At the same time, young driver testing will also take place.
As reported by GP Blog, Verstappen 'will skip the scheduled post-season test'.
The report stated: "After the race, he had already suggested he wouldn’t spend extra time in the RB21, and with the conclusion of Sunday’s Grand Prix, he has now completed his final miles in this season’s car."
Instead of staying in Abu Dhabi, it is believed that Verstappen will head to the United Kingdom and visit the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes. The Dutchman is expected at the Red Bull base on Wednesday.
Over the last couple of seasons, Verstappen also skipped Red Bull's post-season testing.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Marcus Chan