Verstappen’s Red Bull Future in Jeopardy: Will the F1 Champion Stay or Go After 2026
Red Bull F1 Advisor Casts Doubt Over Max Verstappen’s Future
Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko has expressed uncertainty over Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing, stating that he cannot guarantee Verstappen will be with the team for the 2026 F1 season.
Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until the 2028 season, has experienced a decline in performance this season. Red Bull won all but one race in 2023, but Verstappen has not won a single race in the last six races.
Verstappen has publicly expressed frustration with his car, describing it as a “monster.” This frustration could potentially lead to him leaving for another team.
“Verstappen will drive for Red Bull Racing next season,” Marko told OE24. “But 2026 is still far away. Right now, I’m focusing all my efforts on the 2024 World Cup.”
Verstappen currently leads the drivers’ standings by 62 points over McLaren’s Lando Norris, while Red Bull Racing leads the constructors’ standings by eight points over McLaren.
“Both championships are not realistic at the moment,” Verstappen said after a disappointing race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Red Bull Racing’s concerns over declining performance have exacerbated the team’s off-track problems in 2024. Team principal Christian Horner has clashed with Jos Verstappen through the media, adding to the team’s tensions.
Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff has publicly promoted Verstappen’s signing for several months. Although Wolff has since brought Andrea Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell in 2025, he has not ruled out the possibility of signing Verstappen in the future.
“As for Antonelli, I made the decision five minutes after Lewis Hamilton told me he was going to Ferrari,” Wolff told the media. “Obviously, we were discussing other options, but given what happened at Red Bull, we couldn’t completely rule out Max’s idea.”
If Red Bull Racing’s struggles continue into 2025, there is a chance Verstappen will look to other teams for a chance to win. Aston Martin, with rumors of a works engine deal with Mercedes or Honda and a partnership with departing Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey, could be an attractive transfer destination for Verstappen.
Category: Formula 1 / Red Bull Racing / Max Verstappen