Max Verstappen’s Future at Red Bull Under Speculation Amid Interest from Rival Teams

With a contract extending until the end of 2028, Max Verstappen, a prominent figure in Formula 1, could potentially end his tenure with Red Bull earlier than expected, according to remarks made by the notable Dutch racing driver, Jeroen Bleekemolen. Recent speculation links the reigning F1 World Champion with possible transfers to other rival teams, as the competitiveness of the Red Bull team shows signs of declining.

Verstappen, who has consistently emphasized his preference for a brief, yet fulfilling career, aims to secure a comfortable position on the grid rather than making up the numbers. Despite being the favorite to win the F1 2024 Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull’s performance has suffered due to challenges in the development of their RB20 car.

Bleekemolen, a class winner at the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours, speculated in an interview with RacingNews365.nl that should Red Bull fail to regain its competitive edge by 2025, Verstappen might consider a sabbatical or a switch to another team. “If it doesn’t work out, and he won’t end up driving at the back, then I can just see that happening, yes. He doesn’t feel like it then,” Bleekemolen remarked.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has reportedly indicated that should a driver not wish to remain with the team, they wouldn’t be forced to stay, aligning with Bleekemolen’s statements on contractual flexibility. “There will be money enough to buy off any contracts,” noted Bleekemolen.

Verstappen was speculated to be a target for Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s retirement in 2025. However, Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, ended this pursuit opting for the younger Kimi Antonelli. Despite this, Mercedes remains a potential destination for 2026, along with Aston Martin—an option bolstered by the team’s exclusive engine supply deal with Honda and the recruitment of technical director Adrian Newey.

Bleekemolen hypothesized, “I think he will then join Aston Martin, albeit after a six-month sabbatical, or maybe during the season still. That is absolutely not inconceivable either. Lawrence [Stroll] wants him very badly.”

However, any move to Aston Martin could face hurdles, as current drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are on long-term contracts. According to Bleekemolen, “Alonso will step out the moment he has to.” Aston Martin’s ties to the Stroll family, especially given Lawrence Stroll’s ownership and intent for his son, further complicate Verstappen’s prospects of joining the team.

The Dutch driver still holds possibilities open, sharing with Sky Italia that, “My next step, if there is one, will be my last. That could also mean that I renew my existing contract. Everything is still possible at the moment.” Verstappen emphasized his desire to maintain a stable presence rather than shift between teams frequently, a choice evident throughout his career.