In recent weeks, rumors surrounding Max Verstappen’s tenure at Red Bull Racing have gained significant traction. Despite being a three-time World Champion and having a contract with the Austrian team until 2028, there is growing speculation that Verstappen could be considering his options, particularly if Red Bull continues to face struggles with car performance. This uncertainty has only been heightened by comments from Helmut Marko, one of Red Bull’s senior advisors, who recently hinted that Verstappen’s future with the team is not as locked in as many may believe.

Verstappen, known for his no-nonsense approach, has always made it clear that his primary goal is to win races, not to break records. If the environment at Red Bull becomes unfavorable, it would not be surprising to see him depart in search of a team that can provide him with the competitive edge he craves. And with Red Bull currently suffering through a winless streak and struggling to extract maximum performance from their RB20 car, that possibility seems more real than ever.

The problems for Red Bull began to surface after the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen noted that the car’s dominance had taken a sharp decline. Though he secured wins in Canada and Spain, the fact that the RB20 has failed to deliver in subsequent races has raised alarm bells. While upgrades are expected to be introduced at the upcoming Austin Grand Prix, the team’s ability to regain its competitive footing remains in question.

Helmut Marko, who has been closely involved with Verstappen and his family, recently admitted that there is a “danger” of Max leaving the team. Marko emphasized that Verstappen is not concerned with the records set by legends like Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton; his primary focus is winning, and if Red Bull can’t provide him with a car that does that, a departure could be imminent. This possibility is further compounded by recent turmoil within the Red Bull team, as several high-profile engineers, including Adrian Newey and Paul Monaghan, have left the team amid internal power struggles.

Adding to the tension, Verstappen has expressed frustration with the FIA’s penalties and rule enforcement, which he believes are sapping the fun out of the sport. This dissatisfaction could influence not only his future with Red Bull but also his broader commitment to Formula 1. Verstappen himself has stated that his contract runs until 2028, but he is leaving his options open and will reassess once new regulations come into play in 2026.

Amid all this uncertainty, one team that has repeatedly come up in discussions about Verstappen’s future is Aston Martin. With Adrian Newey now a key figure at Aston Martin and the team boasting state-of-the-art facilities, including a new wind tunnel and a partnership with Honda for engines starting in 2026, Aston Martin could offer Verstappen the competitive platform he seeks. Marko even acknowledged that Verstappen is aware of the potential at Aston Martin and could be drawn to the team if Red Bull fails to address its current issues.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has also weighed in, dismissing rumors that Mercedes is courting Verstappen and reiterating his commitment to the team’s current driver lineup. However, if Verstappen does decide to leave Red Bull, Aston Martin seems like a more realistic destination, given the team’s trajectory and resources.

For Red Bull, losing Verstappen would be a monumental blow, but the team may already be preparing for a future without their star driver. Helmut Marko has hinted at a major reshuffle within Red Bull, suggesting that the team is exploring its options with younger drivers. Should Verstappen leave, Red Bull might have to rely on these younger talents to carry the team forward.

Ultimately, the next few months will be crucial in determining Verstappen’s future at Red Bull. If the team’s upgrades fail to deliver the performance Verstappen demands, the Dutchman could very well be on his way to Aston Martin. For now, though, all eyes are on Red Bull as they race to keep their star driver and return to their winning ways.