Max Verstappen has given his strongest indication yet that he might part ways with Red Bull.
Jos Verstappen, his father, has openly advocated for the removal of Christian Horner, amid significant turmoil within the Austrian team.
Should Horner retain his role, there are speculations that both Helmut Marko and Verstappen could opt to depart. Furthermore, with Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes will have a vacant driver seat.
Verstappen has been heavily linked with a move to the Silver Arrows, and he has refrained from dismissing the possibility of leaving Red Bull. In his own words:
“I think no one would have ever realised that Lewis could have moved to Ferrari in my life, and that doesn’t matter. That’s not related to F1, or whatever, right? It’s just general life.
“You never know what happens or what comes to you, or whatever happens around you, or what might influence you. So you can never say 100 percent that’s how it’s going to be. And I approach my life like that, but I also don’t think about it too much. I’m very relaxed. Like I said, I’m very happy at the team.”
Verstappen has clinched three consecutive world championships and currently sees no urgent need to depart from Red Bull. With a contract in place until 2028, he is committed to honoring his agreement.
Nonetheless, should there be a noticeable decline in performance, he may consider exploring opportunities elsewhere.
He added: “That has, of course, always been the intention of signing. That’s why we signed so long to be here. And of course, it’s about the performance of the car, and from 2026 onwards, that is a bit of a question mark with new regulations.
“But I knew that, when I signed my contract, I also know what they have done for me in my career, right? So yeah, the intention is, of course, absolutely, to stay with this team, because I really enjoy it.
“And I’m also really happy within the team. So as long as we perform there is no reason also to leave.”
