Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has warned of a challenging future for Red Bull Racing, predicting that Max Verstappen could leave the team by the end of 2025. Recently, rumors have intensified linking Verstappen to a possible move to Mercedes, as his current team appears increasingly unable to supply a car capable of securing more championships.
Although Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that the contract contains exit clauses. Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged that discussions involving Verstappen’s team have made significant progress. Schumacher believes Verstappen’s desire to continue winning will drive him away from Red Bull sooner rather than later.
Shifting Performance Dynamics Between Red Bull and Mercedes
Mercedes is viewed as the team best positioned to improve substantially when new regulations come into effect for the 2026 Formula 1 season. In contrast, Red Bull’s performance this year suggests a downward trend, raising concerns about their future competitiveness. Schumacher emphasized this in a recent podcast, stating,
The signs are not good for Red Bull at the moment,
and arguing that Verstappen will need to seek opportunities elsewhere for immediate success.
Schumacher also highlighted Verstappen’s personal conflict, saying,
I therefore believe that the journey is heading towards Mercedes. I could imagine that he himself is still struggling because he is naturally attached to Red Bull,
reflecting the tension between loyalty and ambition that the Dutch driver faces.
Red Bull’s Challenges Without Verstappen
Max Verstappen has been responsible for nearly all of Red Bull’s points in the current season, scoring 165 of the team’s total 172 in 2025. His two race wins and three further podium finishes stand out, especially given that the RB21 car is not competitive enough to challenge at the front consistently. Without Verstappen, Red Bull risks being left in a difficult position.
The team’s standing in the constructors‘ championship dropped to fourth place this year, and even Verstappen has struggled to match the pace of rising competitors like McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. These performance shortcomings combine with internal changes at Red Bull, including the departure of long-serving team principal Christian Horner and the appointment of Laurent Mekies as his replacement.
The uncertainty around Verstappen’s future intensified due to these management shifts and comments from Marko, who recently described the Dutchman’s position at Red Bull as a matter of “great concern.” This unease highlights the instability threatening Red Bull’s prospects if Verstappen decides to leave.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Formula 1 and Verstappen’s Career
If Max Verstappen moves to Mercedes, it would mark a significant shift in Formula 1’s landscape, given his status as a four-time world champion and the central driver for Red Bull’s recent success. Mercedes’ ability to advance under the new 2026 regulations could provide Verstappen with the platform to continue his winning streak.
For Red Bull, the loss of their star driver may trigger a period of rebuilding and intensified competition within the sport. Verstappen’s departure would not only impact team dynamics but also alter championship battles, intensifying rivalries and reshaping team strategies in the coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Verstappen’s wealth to be around $200 million. He earned this money through endorsements, investments, and a high-paying Formula 1 salary. Before 2020, though, his earnings from F1 were less compared to other top drivers.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner said that Max Verstappen apologized to the Red Bull team after he collided with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. This crash caused the Dutch driver to fall from fifth to tenth place at the finish because of a 10-second penalty.
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. When comparing wealth, Lewis Hamilton generally has a higher net worth than Max Verstappen. Hamilton’s earnings include a longer F1 career and diverse endorsements. While Verstappen is also successful and earns significant money from racing, Hamilton’s various income sources give him an edge in overall wealth.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen stated he has “lost all respect” for George Russell following a stewards’ meeting in Qatar regarding a qualifying incident in Formula 1.
