It looks like it’s going to be an intense summer at Red Bull and with Max Verstappen: although the driver has a contract until 2028, he could force his departure at the end of this season, and although it seems like a risky move, it looks increasingly likely that it could happen. The Dutchman’s demands to stay with the team could blow everything up.
Verstappen calls for Horner’s head
The fire has only been reignited, but internal disputes at Red Bull have been commonplace in recent years. The power struggle within the team has been the dominant theme in recent years, and it seems that everything could blow up if they want to keep the four-time world champion.
There has always been talk of two sides within the team, that of Christian Horner and that of Helmut Marko. Verstappen is said to be on the latter’s side and could demand Horner’s departure in order to remain with the team, which would be a bombshell for Red Bull. Max Verstappen has a contract until 2028, but he could become a free agent in 2027 and could force his departure this winter in view of the new regulations. The team could gain some financial benefit by agreeing to a departure.
Verstappen’s options
Verstappen leaving Red Bull at the end of the season has its risks. Changing teams with the new regulations could backfire and ruin his chances of winning the world championship. The logical thing would be to stay with the team for at least another year. This would allow him to see which teams can fight for the World Championship in 2027, see who has adapted to the new regulations, who has taken advantage, and his decision would be more informed.
In all likelihood, he would be able to choose his destination, as it would be unusual for any F1 team not to want the Dutchman, regardless of their other drivers. But it seems that he does not want to spend another year with the team that has taken him to the top of the sport.
Mercedes, waiting in the wings
Everything suggests that, if he leaves Red Bull, Verstappen’s destination will be Mercedes. In the paddock, there is talk that Toto Wolff’s team will have the best car next year, and if they don’t, they will still be in the fight. In recent weeks, there has been talk of a contract renewal for George Russell that seems to be a done deal but has not been signed, which is continuing to drag on and is starting to become a problem for the British driver. The Mercedes boss says Russell will be his driver, which is why he finds it strange that he has not yet been renewed. Wolff is betting on Antonelli for the future and does not seem willing to take the wheel away from him after a first season in which he is gradually settling in and showing that he has the skills for the future.
The future of Verstappen is a big unknown at the moment. Rumors in the paddock are growing, Red Bull continues to be involved in controversial episodes, and this one has just reignited with a vengeance. The Dutch driver does not want to wait another year; he does not even want to know if Red Bull will be a team that can fight for victories next year. Mercedes and Toto Wolff are waiting, still waiting, and we could see the world champion change teams for 2026.