The Formula 1 paddock has been buzzing with speculation and concern following a turbulent start to the 2025 season. Not only has Lewis Hamilton’s recent disqualification thrown fresh attention on George Russell’s role at Mercedes, but Red Bull Racing now finds itself dealing with growing uncertainty over the future of its star driver, Max Verstappen.

The three-time world champion is under contract with Red Bull through the end of the 2028 season. However, comments made by Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior motorsport advisor, have brought a concerning twist. Marko recently confirmed that Verstappen’s contract includes a performance clause, the details of which remain undisclosed. That clause could allow Verstappen to explore other options should the team fail to provide a car capable of winning championships.

Tensions heightened after the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Verstappen struggled to P6 – a result far below expectations. The disappointing finish saw the Dutch driver fall to third place in the drivers’ standings, a rare sight for someone who has dominated the sport for the past few years. In an interview with Sky Germany, Marko didn’t hold back his concerns.

“The concern is great,” Marko admitted. “Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again. We must create a foundation with the car that enables him to fight for the world championship.”

It’s a sharp shift from the dominance Red Bull enjoyed just last season. While Verstappen did manage to take victory in Japan earlier this year, the win came under less-than-impressive circumstances. Starting from pole at Suzuka—a track notoriously difficult for overtaking—Verstappen managed to hold off the McLarens through an uneventful 53-lap race. However, that single win has been the only highlight in an otherwise underwhelming campaign.

Red Bull now faces a significant driver dilemma. The RB21, while quick in testing, has shown inconsistencies in race trim. Both McLaren drivers have frequently finished ahead of Verstappen, raising serious doubts about Red Bull’s ability to fight for the constructors’ and drivers’ titles this year. As pressure mounts internally, the once-unthinkable prospect of Verstappen walking away from Red Bull has suddenly become a legitimate topic of discussion.

Last season, Verstappen had hinted that he might consider stepping away from the sport altogether if the 2026 regulation overhaul didn’t suit his preferences. But the more immediate concern for Red Bull is the very real possibility that he could be negotiating a move as early as next season—especially if the team fails to deliver performance improvements.

Other teams are, unsurprisingly, watching the situation closely. Mercedes, despite comments from team principal Toto Wolff claiming that Verstappen is not currently on their radar, have previously expressed admiration for the Dutchman’s abilities. Wolff didn’t completely close the door on the idea of making a move, especially if Verstappen signals interest in leaving Red Bull.

However, Mercedes may not be the only team interested in luring the reigning champion. Aston Martin, now bolstered by the technical brilliance of Adrian Newey—Red Bull’s former design mastermind—has reportedly shown willingness to make a massive financial commitment to secure Verstappen’s services. With Newey on board and billionaire Lawrence Stroll at the helm, Aston Martin has emerged as a dark horse in the Verstappen sweepstakes.

In addition to the Verstappen saga, Mercedes is facing questions of its own after Lewis Hamilton’s recent disqualification. The controversial penalty has cast a spotlight on George Russell, who now carries the weight of the team’s championship hopes. Many are wondering whether Russell has the experience and edge to lead Mercedes into the next era of competition, especially if Verstappen were to become available.

For now, Red Bull insists that its focus remains on providing Verstappen with a competitive car. But behind the scenes, the pressure is palpable. The next few races will likely determine whether Verstappen stays the course with the team that helped him rise to the top of the sport—or if a dramatic shift is on the horizon.

As the F1 circus heads into the heart of the season, all eyes will be on Red Bull and Verstappen. Can the reigning champions turn things around quickly enough to retain their superstar? Or will the 2025 season mark the beginning of a new chapter in the career of one of Formula 1’s brightest talents.