Rumors are obviously just rumors. And with so many people saying so many different things, it’s hard to distinguish between the truth and made-up facts. One rumor that’s worth analyzing are the whispers about Max Verstappen, the four-time World Champion, leaving Red Bull. Now, this is not something that has been confirmed, and there’s a high chance that it never will be. But it’s an intriguing enough topic to delve deeper into. So, let’s do it.
Verstappen and Red Bull haven’t had their best season. The Dutch driver has managed to make it onto the podium on multiple occasions, but just as often he was on the radio, openly voicing his concerns about his car. The most recent incident was in Silverstone just this past weekend, where Verstappen spun at Stowe corner and failed to finish the race. Though the exact details are unclear, it does appear the issue was related to the rear wing on his car failing to close properly, which can lead to reduced downforce in the corners. A similar, though not exactly the same, incident had also occurred in Austrian qualifying. Verstappen reportedly commented after the British Grand Prix, saying, “This is becoming dangerous for myself. And obviously, I don’t want that.” He does have a right to be concerned. When the car isn’t performing at the standards that a four-time champion like Max expects, it’s a hard situation for the whole team. Besides this, Verstappen has also reported issues regarding the power unit, and just the general handling of the car. The Dutch driver is currently sitting in seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, behind both Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren drivers. It’s clear he expects something to change, whether that be the car or himself.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull isn’t up until the end of 2028, but there is a catch. If the Dutch driver is not in the top two in the Driver’s Standings by summer break, he is free to explore other teams. As Verstappen is far from first and second this season, he might decide to make a change. If he did, he likely has a couple top teams that would welcome him with open arms. After all, he is one of the best in Formula 1. Last year there were rumors linking him to Mercedes; however, the Silver Arrows are looking pretty locked in with their driver line-up at the moment. 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli has really been delivering all season, and sits at the top of the Drivers’ Standings, though George Russell is now only 25 points behind. Choosing which driver would get the boot if Verstappen signed a contract would be a super hard decision for Toto Wolff, and team appears satisfied with Antonelli and Russell at the moment. So, this time around, it’s a different team that fans have been speculating might sign Verstappen, and it’s the reigning Constructors’ Champion, McLaren. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, has said before how happy he is with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and both drivers have formed close bonds with the whole team. It seems like a long shot for either one of them to have to find a new seat for 2027. However, if McLaren was offered a contract with Max Verstappen, it seems almost equally unlikely that they would say no. And if they did sign Verstappen, which of their current drivers would be asked to leave? Norris and Piastri are pretty evenly matched, and the choice could depend on who comes out on top by the end of the 2026 season, or even by the start of summer break, so keep one eye on their results throughout the races as well.
This is Formula 1 and Max Verstappen that we’re talking about, so anything is possible. At the moment it appears most likely the four-time World Champion will remain at Red Bull Racing, but if his season continues on the way it has been, Verstappen will most certainly be tempted to explore his other options. This year’s silly season could be one of the greatest yet.
