Max Verstappen is under contract for Red Bull through the 2028 Formula 1 season, yet is frequently linked with a move away amid interest from Mercedes and Aston Martin.
The 27-year-old often garners intrigue from up and down the paddock with Verstappen seen by many as one of the best drivers on the grid. He has won the last four F1 drivers’ titles and already ranks third for Grand Prix wins on 63, helped by Verstappen sealing 26 of the last 44.
Another aspect helping to fuel suggestions that Verstappen could quit Red Bull is the regular drama in Milton Keynes. Their saga added another chapter with Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull from the Japanese Grand Prix – a call that Verstappen did not agree with.
Helmut Marko ‘absolutely’ rules out following Max Verstappen to Mercedes or Aston Martin
Helmut Marko admitted that Verstappen is ‘not happy’ with Red Bull demoting Lawson after the first two rounds of the 2025 F1 season. His upset at their actions also comes amid claims that Toto Wolff expects Verstappen’s camp will contact Mercedes over joining them in 2026.
Mercedes could have an opening for Verstappen next season with both, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, currently out of contract after this year. But they could also face rival interest as Verstappen has held talks with Aston Martin about a possible move for next year.
Also, Verstappen is keeping close tabs on Aston Martin after growing unhappy with Red Bull in recent months. But Marko has now ruled out following the Dutchman to either Mercedes or Aston Martin should Verstappen trigger a break clause in his Red Bull contract and leave.
“It would be absolutely out of the question for me,” Marko told OE24. “For me, Formula 1 is Red Bull.”
Mercedes have an edge over Aston Martin in the race to sign Max Verstappen for 2026
While Marko is clear that his future in Formula 1 is at Red Bull and Red Bull alone, the team from Milton Keynes may soon have a fight on their hands to retain their star driver. Wolff is increasingly confident of Mercedes signing Verstappen for either the 2026 or 2027 seasons.
The Silver Arrows could steal a march on Aston Martin if they were to drop either of Russell or Antonelli to make way for Verstappen next year, too. While Mercedes have no obligations to either of their racers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are locked down at Aston Martin.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin through at least the 2026 season last April with his deal due to expire last December. Stroll also signed new terms with the Silverstone squad last June which locked team owner Lawrence Stroll’s son down through 2026, as well.
Aston Martin could shuffle Stroll aside with a move to their World Endurance Championship programme a likely avenue to explore to make way for Verstappen. But, at times, Stroll has overshadowed Alonso in F1 2025 as the Canadian records his career-best start to a season.
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