Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future could be sealed by summer, as rising tensions and car struggles fuel talk of a 2026 switch.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko says the questions surrounding Max Verstappen’s future are only going to grow louder.
With tension already simmering over the possible seat swap between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen recently made a key trip to Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes. The purpose? A high-level technical meeting to address the RB21’s current lack of pace and tricky handling.
“We were able to show Max the overall direction of the car’s development and the improvements we’re working on,” said Marko. “The car needs to be better—simple as that. Our number one goal is giving Max what he needs to win a fifth world title. The whole team is pushing hard.”
But it’s not just about winning. Behind the scenes, Verstappen’s dissatisfaction is becoming increasingly clear, fueling talk of a possible switch to Mercedes or Aston Martin come 2026.
“Top drivers all have performance clauses in their contracts—they’re standard,” Marko acknowledged on Monday. “But every clause is different. And right now, we’re not actively discussing them.”
Verstappen Decision Looms Before Summer
That could change, fast. If Red Bull doesn’t deliver significant progress, those clauses could come into play before the summer break, potentially making that mid-season window a defining moment.
“Yes, that’s the timeline we’re looking at,” Marko admitted. “But let’s keep things in perspective: we’re currently second in the standings, just eight points behind the leaders. And there’s still a long way to go before the break.”
If Verstappen does walk away, it might not just be the end of an era for Red Bull—but for Marko too.
“Yes, if Max leaves, that might be the right moment for me to step away as well.”
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