Sky F1 pundit doubles down on Max Verstappen suggestion that caused contorversy (2024)

Max Verstappen leads the 2024 F1 drivers' standings. (Image: Getty)

Max Verstappen has again been been tipped to take a break from F1 despite being on course for a fourth straight world title. The Red Bull driver is currently 31 points clear at the top of the drivers’ standings, having won five of the eight Grand Prix races thus far in 2024.

But the 26-year-old has also become embroiled in off the track controversy, after his team principal Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee.

Horner was duly cleared after an internal investigation, but the complainant has since launched an appeal into that verdict.

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The fallout has reportedly had a divisive effect at Red Bull, with Horner said to be at odds with team advisor Helmut Marko. Verstappen also became central to the chaos when his dad Jos publicly called for Horner to be removed from his position.

It’s led to speculation over the future of the Dutchman, who has been audaciously targeted by rivals Mercedes. And Sky Sports F1 pundit Karen Chandhok reacted by suggesting Verstappen could take a season away from the sport, in order to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Chandhok’s views prompted debate on social media, with many disagreeing with the 40-year-old. But he has now doubled down on his stance, arguing that at 26, Verstappen still has time to walk away from F1 and then return in his prime.

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Karun Chandhok caused controversy with his views on Verstappen. (Image: Getty)

“While I don’t know whether Max will leave Red Bull for another team, he’s been open about his ambition to try other forms of the sport and not being around F1 forever,” he wrote for The Intercooler. “It is racing and driving he loves and it doesn’t have to be in F1.

“Clearly Max is performing at an incredible level and is young enough to take a break and come back strong if he wanted to. He’s been at kart tracks and travelling the world relentlessly ever since he was four years old.

“He achieved his life’s ambition of becoming F1 World Champion back in 2021 at the tender age of just 24. By the end of this year he’ll probably be a quadruple World Champion, and I wonder if he’s looking for a new challenge to re-discover his mojo and come back reinvigorated.”

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Verstappen is currently contracted to Red Bull until 2028, and has expressed a desire to see out his deal. And speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, he insisted he was content with his RB20 vehicle despite the likes of Ferrari and McLaren appearing to be breaching the gap in pace to the frontrunners this year.

“I think we still have a very, very fast car,” he told reporters. “And if you look at the average of the season so far, I think we have the fastest car. Otherwise, you don't lead the championship.”

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