Max Verstappen potential replacement named amid F1 retirement talk
A former F1 driver has suggested that Max Verstappen could be replaced by a current driver who has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2026 campaign.
Verstappen has been fairly vocal about the sport under the new engine regulations, with the four-time world champion comparing F1 to Formula E, while also claiming that the sport is not as enjoyable as in previous years.
The Dutchman has yet to register a podium across the first three race weekends, finishing sixth in Melbourne and eighth in Japan, having failed to finish due to technical issues with the RB22 in Shanghai.
After the race at Suzuka last Sunday (29 March), the 28-year-old admitted that he was considering his future in the sport, telling BBC Sport that he was “not enjoying the whole formula”.
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When asked whether this meant he was considering moving on from the sport, he added: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.
"Privately I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about: is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
Despite F1 currently being on a five-week break due to the cancellations of the Saudi and Bahrain Grands Prix, speculation about Verstappen’s future will continue to circulate.
On Wednesday (1 April), a fresh perspective emerged from former F1 driver-turned-broadcaster Johnny Herbert, with the Brit, who raced between 1989 and 2000, suggesting that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could succeed Verstappen at the top of the sport.
Speaking to Racing 365, he said: “There's always the next one. And who is the next one at the present time? Kimi.
“He's the next generation that's going to be coming along. Will he be better than Max? Potentially.
“Everything for me was always Ayrton. And then Lewis [Hamilton] came along, and he sort of did what Michael Schumacher [did], and then there's that bigger jump in performance.
“And then Max has come along, and it's another jump in performance. So they always get better and that never stops.
“Kimi, potentially, is the next one who's going to do exactly the same thing. So there's your replacement.
“There's your 'wow' driver that comes into it.”
Antonelli has enjoyed a successful start to the 2026 campaign, finishing second in Melbourne before winning both the Chinese and Japanese races.
The Italian teenager currently leads the Drivers' Championship.
“Yes, he'd [Verstappen] be missed, absolutely,” Herbert added. “I hope he sort of keeps his feet and bottom in the cockpit.
“I don't want him to leave because I love what he does. He's got that 'wow factor' about him. There are occasions when even I go, 'wow, I couldn't do that'.”
The fourth race of the season will take place in Miami on 3 May.
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen
Luke Davies