Max Verstappen’s Shock Red Bull Exit: F1 Champion Set to Join New Team in 2026
Max Verstappen, Formula 1’s reigning four-time world champion, has reportedly made a bombshell decision to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2025 season, sending shockwaves through the paddock. According to leaked reports, the 27-year-old Dutchman, frustrated by Red Bull’s recent performance struggles and internal instability, has signaled his intent to join a rival team in 2026, potentially reshaping the sport’s competitive landscape. With speculation swirling about his next move—Mercedes, Aston Martin, or even Ferrari—Verstappen’s departure from the team that delivered his 54 grand prix wins marks the end of an era and raises questions about Red Bull’s future without their star driver.
Verstappen’s decision comes amid a turbulent 2025 season for Red Bull, which has seen the RB21 struggle with balance issues, leaving it as the fourth-fastest car in Bahrain’s season-opener. Finishing sixth in that race, Verstappen openly criticized the car’s lack of grip and braking issues, admitting, “Everything went wrong”. This followed a 2024 season where Red Bull lost their performance edge, with McLaren and Ferrari outpacing them over the second half. The departure of key figures like design genius Adrian Newey to Aston Martin, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber/Audi, and head of strategy Will Courtenay to McLaren has further destabilized the team. Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, predicted Verstappen’s exit, stating, “If the upgrade on the car doesn’t take effect by Imola, Max will definitely leave”. With Red Bull’s upgrades failing to deliver, Verstappen appears to have reached his breaking point.
The Dutchman’s contract, which runs until 2028, includes performance clauses allowing an early exit if Red Bull fails to provide a championship-contending car. Tensions with team principal Christian Horner, exacerbated by a 2024 investigation into Horner’s conduct and ongoing friction with Verstappen’s father, Jos, have also strained relations. Jos Verstappen publicly warned that the team risked “breaking apart” under Horner’s leadership, a sentiment that has gained traction as Red Bull’s fortunes waned. McLaren CEO Zak Brown boldly predicted Verstappen’s departure, telling The Telegraph, “He’ll leave at the end of this year, most likely to Mercedes”. However, posts on X have fueled speculation of a shock move elsewhere, with some suggesting a “potential new F1 team” could be in play, though details remain unconfirmed.
Mercedes emerges as a strong contender, with Toto Wolff long admiring Verstappen and both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s contracts expiring in 2025. Brown highlighted Mercedes’ stability and superior power unit readiness for 2026’s new regulations as key factors. Meanwhile, Aston Martin, bolstered by Newey’s arrival and Honda’s 2026 engine partnership, offers a tempting reunion for Verstappen, though Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll’s contracts complicate matters. Juan Pablo Montoya predicted Aston Martin could present “an offer he can’t refuse,” citing their long-term potential. Ferrari and McLaren, with settled driver lineups, seem less likely destinations.
Verstappen’s exit would leave Red Bull in a precarious position, as the team has tailored its car to his aggressive driving style, leaving teammates like Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson struggling to match his pace. Helmut Marko admitted, “We have to provide Max with a winning car, or the effects go beyond one driver”. With Verstappen’s departure looming, Red Bull faces a daunting rebuild, while F1 braces for a seismic shift. Will Verstappen’s next move secure a fifth title, or will he face new challenges? The 2026 season just became unmissable
