Max Verstappen goes into the 2025 Formula 1 season with a degree of uncertainty about his Red Bull team and whether they can replicate their starts from previous seasons.
Red Bull’s start to the 2024 season effectively sealed their fourth title in a row with Verstappen, after they ran into trouble with the RB20 midway through the year.
Wins at Sao Paulo and Qatar at the end of the year will have put some confidence in the Dutchman that Red Bull can turn around their fortunes, although it has not stopped the rumours surrounding his future at the team.
Aston Martin had to issue a denial that they were attempting to lure the Dutchman away from the team for 2026, while Red Bull has admitted that Verstappen could leave the team.
Verstappen is tied down to Red Bull until 2028 although performance could play a role in any decision to leave the team. Discussing how things could play out if Red Bull isn’t competitive in an interview with RacingNews365.nl, Dutch racing driver Mike Hezemans thinks there are few options for Verstappen.
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Verstappen is one of the best drivers on the grid and although he is also the highest-paid, teams will see it as a price worth paying. He won’t be short of options according to Hezemans, who expects him to be able to pick and choose teams.
“If they are smart, they are already going to do a test with the engine to see how that car is doing. So I think he will still be at Red Bull next year,” said Hezemans.
“If it doesn’t work at all, I think he has the luxury or the choice, that he can go to a team of his choice. It depends on who they have recorded, but in Formula 1: the contracts are worth as much as the paper we have here.
“And of course, Max has a super good contract with Red Bull, especially financially. So it really wouldn’t be smart to leave next year.”
Red Bull has rejected one of the best replacements for Max Verstappen
Red Bull will want to hold on to Verstappen for as long as possible, especially given that he has now established himself as one of F1’s all-time great drivers.
There is no clear succession plan for Red Bull, largely since their rookie drivers have yet to reach the same level of experience.
Horner has previously eyed George Russell, although that now appears to be off after he was involved in a spat with the Dutchman at the end of last year.
Red Bull also declined Carlos Sainz as a replacement, with the Spaniard now signing a long-term deal with Williams for 2025 and beyond.
