Max Verstappen’s future continues to fuel rumors in the paddock. Despite a contract until 2028 with Red Bull, several departure scenarios are already gaining momentum.
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Red Bull’s difficult start to the season continues to fuel speculation about Max Verstappen’s future. Struggling since the introduction of new regulations, the Milton Keynes team is going through a delicate period that sharply contrasts with its dominance in recent years.
Currently only fourth in the constructors’ championship after the first races of the season, Red Bull is struggling to regain its usual level. Verstappen himself is only seventh in the drivers’ standings, despite having scored almost all of his team’s points.
In this context, the performance clauses present in the contract of the four-time world champion have resurfaced. Although the Dutchman is officially tied to Red Bull until the end of 2028, certain conditions could allow him to leave the team early.
One of the clauses mentioned would concern his position in the championship at the time of the summer break. If Verstappen is not in the top 2 at this stage of the season, a way out could open.
Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren in the crosshairs
For Guenther Steiner, Verstappen’s future could only be shaped within three teams capable of offering him a top-tier car: Ferrari, Mercedes, or McLaren.
The former Haas team principal believes these teams would be ready to disrupt their plans if the opportunity to recruit the Dutch driver arose. According to him, Verstappen remains today the absolute benchmark in Formula 1 despite Red Bull’s current difficulties.
“In my eyes, Max can only go to Ferrari, McLaren, or Mercedes,” Steiner explained. “The real question is whether a seat can become available and especially if a team is ready to sacrifice its current duo to welcome Verstappen.”
Steiner also recalls that Ferrari did not hesitate to part ways with Carlos Sainz to attract Lewis Hamilton, proof for him that no seat is completely untouchable when a driver considered exceptional becomes available.
Mercedes still lurking
For several months, Mercedes has appeared as the option most regularly associated with Verstappen. The links between the Red Bull driver and Toto Wolff have often fueled rumors, even if the discussions seem to have cooled recently.
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However, the German manufacturer remains a natural candidate. Mercedes continues to have a solid project for the future and a structure capable of attracting a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, especially with upcoming regulatory changes.
But Steiner believes that no team has today built its project entirely around the four-time world champion: “I am convinced he is talking with these three teams, but I don’t think there is one that is totally focused on him currently.”
McLaren, the increasingly intriguing option
Among the scenarios mentioned, the one leading Verstappen to McLaren is also gaining credibility. The British team continues its progress and is now established as one of the benchmarks on the grid.
One element particularly strengthens this hypothesis: the future departure of Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren. Verstappen’s long-time engineer will join the Woking team as sporting director by 2028, a move that could facilitate a possible coming together between the two parties.
With a competitive car, a rising structure, and existing links, McLaren could represent a particularly attractive destination for the Dutch champion if Red Bull fails to quickly return to the top.
Ferrari, the ultimate dream?
Finally, Ferrari naturally remains a fascinating option. David Coulthard recently said that Verstappen would fit perfectly in the Scuderia environment, where his status as a global superstar would be fully embraced.
But such a transfer would inevitably raise many questions, especially regarding coexistence with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, already under pressure to bring Ferrari back to the top.
One thing seems certain: as long as Red Bull remains in difficulty, rumors about Max Verstappen’s future will continue to stir the Formula 1 paddock intensely.
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