What are the chances of Max Verstappen leaving his current team? For now, the likelihood seems slim. Rumors have circulated about the Dutch driver potentially joining Mercedes in 2026, but with his deep loyalty to Red Bull, it’s hard to predict what might happen. Verstappen is performing well with the Austrian team, raising doubts about whether he would even consider a move. However, many insiders and experts suggest that 2026 could see Max donning a new team’s gear.
The ongoing situation at Red Bull has certainly caused a stir within the F1 community and has likely unsettled the Verstappen family. We’ve already seen Jos Verstappen criticize Christian Horner. With the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, the team is on shaky ground. While Max remains committed to Red Bull, he recently hinted at a possible future switch.
Verstappen is also carefully weighing the risks of leaving a team where he has enjoyed considerable success against the potential advantages of joining a new one. The three-time champion told Formula.hu, “I think the most important thing is that you shouldn’t make decisions based on emotions, because that always backfires. I’m a patient person myself, I don’t worry too much about things. Of course, it means a lot and I appreciate that my relationship with the team goes back a long way. Loyalty is very important and I don’t think it’s always there in F1.”
The ‘Flying Dutchman’ places a high value on loyalty. He believes that his patience is what keeps him progressing with the team and that he doesn’t need to worry about his future. But for now, that’s the case. However, as many experts have noted, if Red Bull’s performance doesn’t improve, ‘Max the Axe’ might consider leaving. In recent races, the team hasn’t been as dominant, so could Max be concealing his true intentions?
Despite Verstappen’s loyalty, Red Bull is concerned about his possible departure. The team is well aware of the impact of losing a world champion, as they struggled to recover after Sebastian Vettel’s departure in 2015. Max Verstappen is their ace, and losing him isn’t an option. Even though Verstappen has a long-term contract, there’s an underlying fear of him leaving.
Verstappen told Formula.hu, “I try to optimize every weekend because if I have a good car, it makes my life also a little bit easier, and probably also makes the team’s life easier.” The Dutchman continues to give his all in every race and leads the driver’s championship. However, McLaren, just 42 points behind in the Constructor’s standings, threatens his team. Verstappen’s frustration was evident in Hungary, and Red Bull’s internal issues persist. Could these be reasons for Max to consider leaving? It’s uncertain.
For now, one thing is clear: the ‘Flying Dutchman’ isn’t leaving the Milton Keynes base for Mercedes just yet. However, he is keeping an eye on Toto Wolff’s team, and 2026 could see him alongside George Russell. These speculations continue as the rumor mills spin, and the second phase of the ‘silly’ season is still to come. Who knows, Verstappen might return even stronger and more determined.
