Speculation over the future of Max Verstappen went up a notch at the Miami Grand Prix weekend. That’s after Red Bull lost chief designer Adrian Newey in the lead-up to the race.
This doesn’t necessarily stem from anything the world champion said himself in Florida. Indeed, he himself told Newey to move on if he felt the time was right.
What’s more, Verstappen apparently has a great deal of confidence in Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache. Wache is poised to take on an even greater role when Newey leaves, likely in February 2025.
But his father Jos poured fuel on the fire when he said that the world champions were at risk of ‘falling apart’. The Verstappen camp wanted stability, but Christian Horner can’t provide it right now.
Out on track, the 27-year-old suffered a rare defeat. He was on course for a perfect weekend after a sprint pole, sprint win and Grand Prix qualifying pole.
But an ill-timed safety-car midway through the race handed the initiative to Lando Norris, who ultimately took a comfortable victory. It was the first time Verstappen had failed to win a race that he’d finished since Singapore 2023.
Helmut Marko has told Max Verstappen he’s ready to leave
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. In theory, that should put any uncertainty to bed.
But the reality is that the contract isn’t watertight. It features a clause that allows him to leave if executive director Helmut Marko departs.
Marko has overseen Verstappen’s ascent through the Red Bull ranks. He raced for Toro Rosso as a 17-year-old in 2015, having been signed to the driver academy a year previous.
According to BBC Sport, the duo have now made a pact behind the scenes. Marko has ‘promised’ him that ‘he will do whatever he wants’.
That means, if Verstappen wishes to join another team, Marko will walk to activate his clause. In effect, this means the Dutchman can move on ‘whenever he wants’.
This comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Austrian and Horner. It seems that Red Bull’s star driver isn’t the only high-profile team member considering his future.
Is Max Verstappen going to Mercedes?
All of this could play right into the hands of Toto Wolff and Mercedes. The Silver Arrows want Verstappen as their replacement for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Significantly, Wolff has already told Verstappen privately that he’s willing to hire Marko as an additional incentive. He appears ready to do whatever it takes to secure his signature.
Mercedes don’t appear to be a particularly appealing destination right now. They’re a distant fourth in the world championship, already 175 points behind Red Bull.
With limited changes to the regulations for next year, they’re unlikely to make a major jump forward. And Verstappen may be foregoing a clear shot at another world title.
However, it could be a different story for 2026. Amid wholesale changes to the rules, there could be a reshuffle at the front of the grid.
And there are early ‘rumours’ that Red Bull are lagging behind their rivals in the engine department. If the noises are better from Mercedes, then perhaps Verstappen could be seriously tempted to take the jump.
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