Max Verstappen: What comes after Red Bull?
The partnership between Max Verstappen and Red Bull is one of the most successful in Formula 1 history. However, like every relationship, the Dutchman and the Milton Keynes team will eventually reach the end of their journey together.
The first cracks appeared at the start of 2024 when the world champion clashed with Christian Horner over the harassment case involving a Red Bull employee, from which the team principal was acquitted. During those months, Max Verstappen explored his options and found Toto Wolff ready to go to great lengths to bring him to Mercedes. However, Verstappen chose to stay with Red Bull, considering the ongoing struggles of the Brackley team.
Gunther Steiner’s comments
But what will happen in 2025, the only season of the current car generation where Red Bull starts with headwinds rather than tailwinds? And an even tougher question: if the Milton Keynes team fails to deliver the right car for the revolutionary 2026 regulations, will Verstappen honor his contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028? Günther Steiner is ready to bet no: “Obviously, a contract can always be torn up,” he told GPBlog. The real challenge is identifying the right destination: “I think McLaren won’t change its drivers, and I’m quite sure Ferrari won’t spend on another major outlay like they did for Lewis Hamilton.” – he pointed out.
For the South Tyrolean, considering Fernando Alonso‘s contract with Aston Martin runs until 2026, Mercedes remains the only future option for Super Max: “It’s the most likely possibility. If Andrea Kimi Antonelli doesn’t perform as expected, there could be an opportunity.” – the former Haas team principal concluded.
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