Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen’s future hangs in the balance despite dominating Formula 1 for the past two seasons and he’s reportedly ‘increasingly likely’ to join a rival team as early as 2025.
The Dutchman was on a nine-race winning streak before his RB20 was forced to retire just a few laps into the Australian Grand Prix.
A report from F1 Insider suggests that the internal politics within the team are still influencing his decision on what to do in the future.
The 26-year-old still leads the world championship after three races despite not scoring a point in Melbourne.
His teammate Sergio Perez is also under pressure and there’s a scenario where Red Bull could line up with a completely new pairing next year.
Losing the Mexican wouldn’t be the worst-case scenario for the Austrian outfit, especially with Carlos Sainz on the market with his Ferrari exit looming.
However, the team’s make-up would be very different if Max Verstappen ended up leaving ahead of the 2025 season which is reportedly an even more likely scenario now.
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull exit ‘increasingly likely’ as early as 2025
The 2024 driver market is going to burst into action sooner rather than later with so much uncertainty up and down the grid.
McLaren and Ferrari are the only teams with a confirmed line-up for next season, although as Lewis Hamilton’s move has shown, a contract doesn’t necessarily mean a driver can’t find a way out if they want to.
Carlos Sainz’s availability will likely play a key role in how the grid shakes out, as is Fernando Alonso heading into the final year of his Aston Martin deal.
However, both drivers pale in comparison to Max Verstappen if the three-time world champion suddenly decides he wants to leave Red Bull.
After his DNF in Australia, the procession to his fourth title that everyone expected suddenly looks a bit more complicated.
It’s likely that Verstappen will still head into the 2025 season with another championship to his name.
But whether he’ll be defending his crown in a Red Bull or another car is yet to be determined…
Mercedes appearing more likely to be Max Verstappen destination
The report from F1 Insider suggests that a move to Mercedes as early as 2025 is ‘becoming increasingly likely’ for the Dutchman.
Toto Wolff’s team are said would welcome Verstappen ‘with open arms’ as they look for the perfect Lewis Hamilton replacement.
Wolff has already responded to rumours this month about whether they would make a play to hire the Dutchman.
The likes of Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri have both been linked with a move to Red Bull should the 26-year-old make the bold call to leave.
Carlos Sainz looks like an obvious option as well, but in an ideal situation, Christian Horner doesn’t have to consider a replacement at all.
It makes Helmut Marko’s position within the team more important than ever, given Verstappen has a clause in his contract that means he can leave if his key ally departs.
Verstappen will have options on the table if he seeks Red Bull exit
While a move to Mercedes in 2025 may be more likely than it was at the start of the season for Verstappen, it’s not his only option.
Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll will reportedly do ‘whatever it takes’ to bring the 26-year-old to the British team.
The combination of Alonso and Verstappen is frightening, however, it’s more likely the Dutchman would be paired with Lance Stroll.
With Ferrari and McLaren off the table, Mercedes is the next-best option for Verstappen but their double DNF in Melbourne might worry Verstappen.
He’ll be in no rush to make a final decision, but knowing he’s got options on the table will give him plenty to think about.
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