Nine-time F1 champions have been ‘repeatedly mentioned’ in the paddock as potential Max Verstappen destination

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen finds himself at the centre of the Formula 1 driver market despite having one of the longest contracts in the paddock.

Verstappen has a contract until the end of the 2028 season, but Red Bull will know that it’s not quite as straightforward as that.

The Dutchman is very loyal to Red Bull after they gave him his first opportunity in Formula 1 as a teenager with Toro Rosso.

The 2016 Spanish Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen win on his debut for Red Bull and he’s since gone on to win four drivers’ championships with the team.

However, Verstappen is unbelievably demanding and has every right to be given what he’s achieved for Red Bull.

It’s led to several teams being linked with the 27-year-old after Red Bull’s tricky start to 2025.

Verstappen has spotted a problem with Red Bull’s latest update package, despite being generally positive about its impact.

If it doesn’t help him claim a fifth consecutive championship, then he may end up exploring his options and an interesting rival team keeps being spoken about as an option in the paddock.

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McLaren ‘repeatedly mentioned’ as a possible destination for Max Verstappen next season

A report from the Austrian outlet OE24 has shared more details about the four-time world champion’s future.

They believe that rumours are ‘increasingly circulating’ that Verstappen is looking for a way out of Red Bull at the end of the year.

The report continues to suggest that McLaren, Aston Martin and Mercedes are being ‘repeatedly mentioned’ in the paddock as potential new employers for the Dutchman.

Aston Martin have been linked with Verstappen for quite some time, as it would mean a reunion between the Dutchman, Adrian Newey and Honda’s power units.

The British team have had a very tough 2025 campaign, although qualifying at Imola saw the team take a huge step forward.

Verstappen has been on Mercedes’ radar for years, and with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli both out of contract, it’s a move that could feasibly happen.

However, nine-time constructors’ champions McLaren would have a much tougher time working out how to fit Verstappen into their driver line-up.

Oscar Piastri is currently leading the championship, but Lando Norris could easily leapfrog his teammate with a few good results.

READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

Max Verstappen comments on his Formula 1 future

Verstappen was speaking about his potential next steps in an interview with De Telegraaf, and explained, “I think I always think and have thought about my future. Even in the good years. On the other hand, I think I am quite calm about it at the moment.”

Asked if he can 100% confirm that he’ll be racing for Red Bull in 2026, he continued, “I’ve always said that to the team. That’s the intention.

“Unless things go really strangely. But that (a departure, ed.) is not my intention at the moment.”

When it was put to him that he didn’t provide a resounding ‘yes’ to the previous question, Verstappen explained, “Because I want to see how the rest of the season, or at least part of it, goes. That big, decent steps can be taken by the team.

“The upcoming races are very important. Yes, also for my future. I’m not even talking about next year but in general. I think everyone in the team realizes that.”

Verstappen and Zak Brown have a good relationship and will respect the job the other has done during the past 12 months.

Piastri signed a new long-term deal earlier this season and Norris signed an extended contract last year, meaning any move for Verstappen would require one of their agreements to be bought out.

It means a move seems extremely unlikely at this stage, but there’s a reason why the quickest driver on the grid is being talked about in the same sentences as the team with the fastest car.