Max Verstappen may be starting to have some doubts about Red Bull’s ability to compete for Formula 1 championships in the future.
Ever since the announcement of Adrian Newey’s departure from the team last year, they have been sliding down the constructors’ championship. Currently, Red Bull lie fourth, three places worse off than they were this time last year.
Verstappen is now an outside contender for the drivers’ title and his hopes of a record-breaking fifth consecutive triumph appear to have been trumped by McLaren’s far superior development. It’s a worrying omen heading into the 2026 F1 regulations.
Verstappen can be at ease over Helmut Marko’s future after it was revealed by Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies that any suggestion he is going to step back from his role any time soon is utter ‘science fiction’ for the time being.
With the Formula 1 driver market coming to life ahead of the summer, where most deals are done every year, Mercedes have hinted at interest in Verstappen, as they did last year. The next few races and how each team performs could be vital for the future of the reigning champion.
READ MORE: Helmut Marko hits out at Ralf Schumacher’s ‘nonsense’ theory for Max Verstappen’s crash with George Russell in Spain
Adrian Newey has shown Max Verstappen how to leave Red Bull without an exit clause
Red Bull discovered an unexpected benefit for Verstappen from the FIA’s recent technical directive on flexi wings at the Spanish Grand Prix. It makes their car easier to set up, and should offer their drivers more choice and speed at most events.
The bigger emphasis lies in 2026 currently, with key car decisions starting to be made now. Verstappen has an opportunity to assess whether he believes that Red Bull are going to be a true competitor over the next few years, especially now that they are building their own power units.
If he isn’t content with their level of performance and wants to leave, Adrian Newey has already shown him how it’s done. The Milton Keynes-based outfit aren’t going to keep someone who simply doesn’t want to be there. It isn’t good for morale or energy levels.
“I think if he really wants out of it, I think he’s going. I don’t think Red Bull are going to be able to hold onto him,” journalist Laurence Edmondson told ESPN Unlapped.
“Or, and they’ve hinted at this before and it was a similar situation with Adrian Newey, what’s the point in holding on to a driver who just doesn’t want to be there anymore? It’s just creating issues within the team. I think if Max really wants to go, then he’ll find his own way out.”
Might Max Verstappen opt for a reunion with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin?
There’s no denying that Aston Martin have one of the most exciting Formula 1 operations currently, after investing millions and millions of pounds in their infrastructure and staff for the future.
Their ambitious visions are clear. For the first time in their existence, they want to be winners, and they have put their money where their mouth is.
Verstappen may snub Aston Martin over one Newey doubt, with questions over how quickly his effect will be felt on next year’s car. Did he join soon enough to have an influence on next year’s machine?
Just a few months ago, Verstappen’s camp denied a £1 billion Aston Martin offer and said that no such approach had been made. However, that could change after Lance Stroll’s recent injury. Maybe there’s an opening in the future?
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