The Formula 1 world is on tenterhooks as rumours swirl that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull Racing due to the team’s recent poor form and internal tensions. The four-time world champion has made his discontent known, fuelling speculation about his future with the team .

Red Bull’s performance declines

After dominating Formula 1 with four consecutive championships, Red Bull has seen a significant decline in performance. Teams like McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have overtaken the Austrian team, causing Verstappen to lose the competitive edge he once had. This has forced the Dutchman to consider other options to continue his career at the pinnacle of motorsport .

Escape clause and loyalty to Helmut Marko

A key aspect of Verstappen’s contract is a clause that allows him to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko, the team’s senior advisor and a key figure in his career, leaves. This clause, recently added without the knowledge of the Red Bull Formula 1 team, underscores Verstappen’s deep loyalty to Marko. The driver has stated that Marko’s continued presence with the team is essential.

Interest from Aston Martin and Mercedes

The driver market has been in turmoil with the possibility of Verstappen switching teams. Honda-backed Aston Martin, with the addition of designer Adrian Newey, has emerged as a possible destination. Juan Pablo Montoya suggests that Aston Martin could make an irresistible offer to Verstappen, especially considering the partnership with Honda, with whom the driver has had a successful relationship in the past.

On the other hand, Mercedes, through its boss Toto Wolff, has recently ruled out the possibility of signing Verstappen, focusing on keeping its current drivers and prioritizing the renewal of George Russell.

Internal tensions at Red Bull

The situation within Red Bull has been complicated by controversial decisions, such as replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races of the 2025 season. This decision has been criticized by Verstappen, who expressed his dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley has created uncertainty about the team’s stability.

Future prospects for Verstappen

With a contract running until 2028, Verstappen faces crucial decisions about his future. The possibility of activating his exit clause will largely depend on how Red Bull handles its current challenges and regains its competitiveness. Meanwhile, rival teams remain vigilant, ready to seize any opportunity to add the talented driver to their ranks .

The Formula 1 community will be closely monitoring Verstappen’s moves and Red Bull’s decisions in the coming weeks, aware that any changes could redefine the sport’s competitive landscape.