There is a rumor floating around that Max Verstappen is considering taking a leave of absence after the completion of the 2024 F1 season. By no means do I think he’s leaving, but it is a fun what-if. For argument’s sake let’s say it comes true.

It’s December 8, 2024, and Max Verstappen has claimed another world title in a close fight with Lando Norris. Max then drops a bombshell during his interview, he’s stepping away from F1 for the foreseeable future. 

Shockwaves are instantly felt throughout the paddock. Red Bull feels it the most, as they lose one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. They now have a tough decision to make, who goes in the car? The careers of Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, or Liam Lawson could be changed in an instant. With the free agent market bare, one of these three drivers would be selected. My guess is Yuki Tsunoda would be selected to make the jump to Red Bull. With Max gone, Red Bull takes a hit they can’t recover from in 2025 and finishes 4th in the constructors championship.

McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes would be happy with the announcement. The biggest competition on the grid is suddenly gone. This opens the door for all three teams to have a clear path in 2025. A Constructor’s and Driver’s Championship is within reach. The 2025 season would be one of the most exciting in F1 history.

The happiest team on the grid is Aston Martin. They have what no other team has, Adrian Newey. The legendary engineer has produced many world championship-level cars in his illustrious career. It shouldn’t be different this time. Aston Martin is primed to take a leap in 2025, then to world championship contention in 2026. That’s when the team will make a play at Max.

In 2026, Max returns as a driver for Aston Martin. Alongside Fernando Alonso, the two bring Aston its first championship. What-ifs are fun to go over and if the rumors turn out true, it would change F1 as we know it forever. 

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