Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull seemed set after a dominant 2023 season, but after an internal squabble at the start of the season and a drop in form, it might not be set for the Dutchman.
Verstappen’s contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, but it isn’t completely watertight. Toto Wolff has still ‘hung around’ for the Dutchman in case he becomes available, having expressed his interest since Lewis Hamilton announced his exit from Mercedes.
Although Mercedes has already chosen 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli as their successor to Hamilton, it is entirely possible that the team could make a ploy for Verstappen if it turns out that he is not yet ready in 2024.
George Russell’s recent media frenzy in Abu Dhabi would suggest that any partnership would be tricky between the pair, thus, making a move difficult in the short term.
Red Bull is expected to be one of the teams at the front of the pack in 2025 but Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, has claimed that they might seek a way out if the team struggles again in an interview with Formule1.nl.
Jos Verstappen says son’s Red Bull future depends on whether they continue to win
Sebastian Vettel left Red Bull after four titles with the team at the end of a difficult 2014 season, in which he was beaten by teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
Verstappen will get a new teammate in 2025 in the form of Liam Lawson, after Red Bull dropped Perez because of his poor form. This is effectively against the wishes of the Verstappen family who would rather Perez stay, if only because he backs up the Dutchman on track by playing the role of second driver.
Jos Verstappen believes his son’s future at the team will depend on whether they are still competitive in the short term, ahead of F1’s big regulation change in 2026.
“Much depends on what happens here at Red Bull. Look, if they get it done again next year and we ride at the front, then Max will just stay,” said Verstappen.
Max Verstappen exit clause could set up 2026 move to Mercedes
A move to Mercedes is out of the question for 2025, but Wolff will likely try again for 2026 ahead of the major regulation changes.
George Russell’s future is still uncertain amid a run of inconsistent form, which means there could be a possibility that Wolff decides to partner him with Kimi Antonelli.
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Verstappen is entitled to leave the team next year, though he will likely assess the competitive landscape first before doing so.
The Dutchman might also want to assess the 2025 Mercedes chassis before considering a move, given the hiccups they have experienced in the last two years.
