Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, is rumored to leave Red Bull despite being under contract until 2028. These speculations have intensified after the departures of key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley from the team last year. Ralf Schumacher, a respected voice in the motorsport community, believes Verstappen could possibly join Aston Martin, where Newey, a former Red Bull technical guru, has now set up shop.
Schumacher raised eyebrows by suggesting to Bild that “Red Bull is falling apart. Verstappen is keeping the business going with his performances.” The team, despite Verstappen’s efforts, faces internal struggles and top-level departures that have fueled these exit rumors. Schumacher confidently added, “Verstappen will leave Red Bull. Aston Martin would tailor everything to him,” indicating a potential new chapter for Verstappen at a rival team.
The Dutch driver, at the age of 27, has already made an indelible mark in F1, joining Red Bull right from the start of his career. However, with recent hints about reuniting with Honda, soon to be Aston Martin’s engine supplier in 2026, Verstappen seems to be weighing his future options. He stated, “I just want to enjoy the weekend and go as fast as possible, but it’s also about remembering what we’ve achieved together in the sport and who knows, maybe in the future too.”
Red Bull is currently facing challenges on the track as well. In the opening races of the season, they’ve been overshadowed by McLaren’s resurgence with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri scoring victories in Australia and China. Verstappen, while claiming a podium in Melbourne, finished fourth in Shanghai, leaving him eight points short of Norris in the Drivers’ Championship standings. This dip in form adds another layer to the swirling rumors around his future.
Further shaking up the Red Bull lineup, Liam Lawson has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, where Verstappen excels, having won the last three races. A victory there could mark his 64th career win and potentially see him leapfrog Norris in the championship.
The potential departure of Max Verstappen could have seismic implications for both Red Bull and Formula 1. If Schumacher’s predictions hold true, Aston Martin might become a formidable force with Verstappen at the helm. This could reconfigure the competitive landscape of F1, setting the stage for high-stakes rivalries and shifting dynamics in the sport.
