Max Verstappen’s looming contract decisions could reshape the Formula 1 driver market before the 2027 season begins. Johnny Herbert, a former British F1 driver, warned that no seat on the grid is truly safe if the Dutchman decides to leave Red Bull Racing after the 2026 season.
Verstappen is locked into his current contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, although speculation has been circulating that he could switch teams at the end of next season should Red Bull’s car not meet his satisfaction.
Why Max Verstappen’s Next Career Move Could Unsettle the Entire F1 Grid
According to Herbert, Verstappen’s status and leverage make him a significant factor in influencing future line-ups.
“Every single driver on that grid should be worried about their seat for 2027,” said Herbert. “Because Max is going to be going for one of those big seats unless Red Bull absolutely do an amazing job next season.”
That uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future is amplified by Red Bull’s competitiveness, or lack thereof. While the four-time World Champion still remains under contract, Herbert suggests that anything short of a dominant package could open the door to a high-profile team change.
Herbert also believes Verstappen has more leverage due to his influence beyond the racetrack. The Dutchman’s mere on-track presence and psychological edge also play a significant role in making him a powerful competitor.
The former British racer argued that Verstappen’s ability to intimidate rivals, especially when charging through the pack, adds to the aura that makes teams willing to restructure their entire driver line-ups just to accommodate him.
Herbert expanded, “That’s the power that Max has. He has this massive ability to make people look in their mirrors when he’s coming through the pack. He intimidates you and the intimidation is something he’s still going to use when he gets to the point where he’s going to pick and choose where he wants to go.”
Despite Verstappen’s titles, Herbert believes Verstappen has more to prove, which makes him fearsome on the track — something any team will want to have on their side rather than against them.
“That is going to be something that the drivers will once again fear. It’s far from over as far as the next World Championship that’s going to be coming his way. It’s a guarantee for me there’s going to be another one, two or maybe even three or four World Championships coming in. He’s the guy that can pick and chose and is the dictator of the driver market,” he added.
Despite already claiming four consecutive world championships, Herbert insists Verstappen remains far from finished. He emphasized that Verstappen is capable of winning several more titles and will eventually reach a position of such power that he can “pick and choose” the seat of his choice.
With Formula 1’s new regulations and major contract renewals approaching, Verstappen’s potential availability could make him a power figure in the 2027 driver market, one whose choices may dictate not just his own future but also the fate of multiple drivers across the grid.
