Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is under intense scrutiny as rumors swirl about a potential move to Mercedes or Aston Martin.
The highly anticipated “silly season” of Formula 1 driver transfers has arrived early in 2025, and it’s already shaking up the paddock.
Liam Lawson has lost his seat at Red Bull Racing, rookie Jack Doohan is expected to lose his Alpine seat to Franco Colapinto (with Imola being a rumored turning point), and rumors about Max Verstappen’s departure continue to swirl.
“Red Bull is collapsing,” says former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.
“Verstappen is still performing, but they’ve lost too many key people, and things are tense internally. It’s insane that Verstappen remains so calm.”
Schumacher has even suggested, “Max might leave Red Bull.”
Throughout much of 2024, Toto Wolff worked hard to persuade Verstappen to join Mercedes F1, and the speculation continues into this season. The question now is whether George Russell, who reportedly has a strained relationship with Verstappen, or rising star Kimi Antonelli will be the one to make way.
“If Max were to join Mercedes, it’s likely that the talented Antonelli, who’s shown excellent performances so far, would have to leave,” says Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 boss.
Aston Martin: Verstappen’s Likely Future
However, Schumacher, along with Juan-Pablo Montoya, believes Aston Martin F1 is a much more likely destination for the four-time world champion.
“It would be a perfect fit for him,” says Schumacher, who previously raced for Jordan, Williams, and Toyota. “He’d probably enjoy the same status he has at Red Bull.”
As for a potential move to Mercedes, Schumacher isn’t convinced: “I don’t see that happening at Mercedes. Toto Wolff wants to see Antonelli succeed, and Russell is making a name for himself, which might attract interest from several teams, including Red Bull.”
Some argue that Red Bull’s focus on Verstappen’s unique driving style has been its biggest mistake, but Schumacher disagrees: “The issue only stands out because Verstappen’s teammates haven’t been up to scratch.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor and a long-time mentor to Verstappen, has firmly ruled out following the 27-year-old elsewhere in the pit lane.
“It would be absolutely out of the question for me. As far as I’m concerned, Formula 1 is Red Bull.”
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Red Bull’s Crisis: Verstappen’s Future in Doubt Red Bull’s Crisis: Verstappen’s Future in Doubt
