“Max Verstappen Could Be Set to Leave Red Bull Sooner Than Expected, Says F1 Boss”….read more
Max Verstappen may be considering a move from Red Bull to Mercedes, with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown suggesting that it could happen by the end of 2025. Brown made this claim in an interview that is likely to stir controversy within the F1 community, particularly with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has had a successful partnership with Red Bull for the past several years. However, his dominance has been tested in recent seasons, especially with performance issues affecting the team in the latter part of 2024. These challenges appear to have continued into 2025, leaving Verstappen with an uncertain future. For the first time in three years, he is not the favorite to win the 2025 title, with McLaren’s car, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, currently looking superior to Red Bull’s at the start of the season.
Brown, commenting on Verstappen’s potential move, stated that he believes Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of 2025, possibly joining Mercedes before the start of the 2026 season. He pointed out that both Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, have contracts expiring after the 2025 season. This could open up a spot for Verstappen at Mercedes, a team that has won multiple championships in recent years, providing a stable environment and a competitive edge, particularly with Mercedes’ high-performance power unit, which could be a major asset in the upcoming engine regulations.
Brown also discussed other potential options for Verstappen, such as a move to Aston Martin, especially with renowned engineer Adrian Newey’s influence. However, he emphasized that while Newey is a significant figure in F1, a move to Aston Martin would require building a team culture, something that takes time and may not be as immediate a solution as joining Mercedes.
The McLaren CEO expressed confidence in Mercedes as the most likely destination for Verstappen, given the team’s track record in the past decade, their recent success, and the strong relationship between Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Additionally, the current instability in Mercedes’ driver lineup, with Russell’s contract ending in 2025, could make it easier for Verstappen to slot into a top-tier seat with the team.
Brown’s comments add further fuel to the ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s future, although any move will depend on the evolving dynamics in F1 as the 2025 season progresses.
