Max Verstappen Not Expected to Stay With Red Bull Past Current Deal

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been pegged to leave the team after his current contract expires, if not earlier, as they fight to keep hold of the Dutchman.

Verstappen is still the fastest driver in F1 and is most consistently able to get the most out of a car, wringing its neck for performance and pace that other drivers cannot tap into.

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Despite his high level, Verstappen has not been able to do much with the 2026 regulations, falling out of the title race and looking quite unhappy driving his car.

Even more than his on-track feelings, he has made it clear that he will retire if the current ruleset is not tweaked for better racecraft.

Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) looks on from the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Red Bull is hoping to keep their driver by rapidly developing the car to add pace, and is also pushing politically to have the rules changed to make racing more fun for the drivers.

They are fighting on two fronts, and according to former F1 racer Riccardo Patrese, the team will ultimately lose the battle.

“I don’t think he will stay with Red Bull, whatever happens, after that,” Patrese said. “Mercedes can be a good possibility. They will win the constructors’ championship and the drivers’ championship, and there is a good atmosphere in the in the team.

“Probably, Kimi and George will stay together. But who knows? If one gets upset, or if Toto [Wolff] wants a bigger challenge because having Max in the team means a lot more media focus on the team, then Verstappen.

“For sure Max was talking with Toto last year, and every week there were stories about Verstappen going to Mercedes. It’s not that he’s not talking with him still. Everybody would like to have Max in their team.”

Where can Max Verstappen leave to?

Mercedes could end up parting with George Russell for Max Verstappen — an idea that has been floated before, with serious links to it in the past.

Additionally, Aston Martin could be a fit, with the money to make it happen and the motivation to get their racing project off the ground.

Finally, Ferrari might do the impossible and sign the best driver in the sport, hoping to end their title drought.

Any of these three teams is a legit option for Verstappen, though the likelihood remains a long shot until proven otherwise, as this is not the first time these rumors have circulated.

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