Herbert outlines four choices for Verstappen: 'He'd still be quick after a sabbatical'

With Red Bull Racing's form, and him about to become a father, Herbert believes that taking a year off racing could very well be what Verstappen chooses to do.

Would he lose his speed? The Briton answered: "No. I don't think he would," Herbert said to a betting site.

According to the former FIA Steward, Verstappen has four options. "Stay where he is at Red Bull, choose to join Aston Martin or Mercedes, or take a one-year sabbatical."

Herbert, however, thinks that the Dutchman will want to step be in a team from the time the new regulations are first set in place. "With the one-year sabbatical, Verstappen can wait and see what car has been delivered in 2026 and join a team from there. But, I think he'd want to be at a team from the start of the new regulations, to take charge and mould the car towards his driving style."

But, if he does leave Red Bull, the Briton is certain it won't be for Mercedes. "If the Mercedes is really good and Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are consistently finishing first and second, Verstappen will have lost his chance of joining the team. Mercedes spoke with the Verstappens even before Max joined F1, and it has a better car for next year. It has lost its edge, but it has improved a lot this year."

In the eyes of the former FIA Steward, Aston Martin holds the best cards, and that's due to the presence of one man. "Mercedes is better than Aston Martin, but one team has Adrian Newey ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. The Mercedes I've heard on the grapevine is in a very good position for next season, competitive-wise. Then he'll be hoping that the Aston Martin can perform. If either team dominate next season, they won't want to fix what's not broken? But right now, the move to Aston Martin makes the most sense," said Herbert.