Max Verstappen Could Leave Red Bull, Ralf Schumacher Predicts a Move to Aston Martin
Max Verstappen’s long-term future with Red Bull Racing is under serious scrutiny as pressure mounts on the reigning Formula 1 World Champion. Former F1 driver and current pundit Ralf Schumacher has gone on record stating that Verstappen is highly likely to leave the team if Red Bull’s upcoming upgrade package doesn’t significantly improve performance. Schumacher believes that Aston Martin could be the Dutchman’s next destination.
Heading into the 2025 Formula 1 season, Verstappen had his sights set on equaling Michael Schumacher’s iconic run of five consecutive World Championships. However, after just four races, those aspirations appear to be slipping away as Red Bull continues to struggle with performance and reliability issues. While the team hoped to continue its dominance from previous seasons, the reality has been far from ideal, putting Verstappen’s loyalty to the team to the test.
Red Bull did show a glimpse of its former strength at the Japanese Grand Prix, where Verstappen managed to secure pole position and convert it into a hard-fought victory, fending off a strong challenge from the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. That race temporarily lifted spirits within the team and among fans. However, their form took a disappointing nosedive at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Technical errors and lack of pace saw Verstappen finish in a lowly sixth position—an uncharacteristic result for the champion.
As a consequence of that underwhelming performance, Verstappen has slipped to third in the Drivers’ Championship standings. He now trails Norris by eight points, while Piastri is quickly gaining momentum after clinching his second win in three races. With the season heating up and another crucial race approaching in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen’s title defense looks increasingly difficult.
Ralf Schumacher’s comments have added more fuel to the fire. In a recent interview with Sky Germany, he warned that if Red Bull’s planned upgrade package at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola fails to deliver, Verstappen’s exit is almost certain. Schumacher also mentioned the importance of the new power unit regulations coming into effect in 2026. If Red Bull’s engine development doesn’t show promising results, it could further solidify Verstappen’s decision to part ways.
“I’m pretty sure that if the upgrade on the car doesn’t take effect by Imola and the new engine for 2026 doesn’t run quite as well, Max Verstappen will definitely leave the team,” Schumacher stated. “You can see the difference he makes—you absolutely have to get this driver, and everyone wants to have him.”
There’s also speculation about Verstappen’s contract, which currently runs through 2028. However, insiders suggest there are performance-related clauses that could allow him to exit earlier if the team fails to meet certain benchmarks. With tensions reportedly brewing behind the scenes at Red Bull—particularly amid rumors of key personnel like Adrian Newey potentially leaving—the environment may not be stable enough to retain a driver of Verstappen’s caliber.
Aston Martin is being positioned as a serious contender for Verstappen’s signature. Over the past few seasons, the team has made significant strides, backed by robust investment and a growing technical department. If they continue on this trajectory and with a promising engine deal ahead of the 2026 regulation changes, they may offer Verstappen the kind of competitive machinery and stability he desires. Ralf Schumacher believes Aston Martin’s ambition and improving performance make them a logical next step for the Dutchman.
Mercedes has also been loosely linked to Verstappen, especially as Lewis Hamilton nears the twilight of his career. Team principal Toto Wolff has previously expressed admiration for Verstappen and acknowledged interest, but Mercedes already has two strong drivers in George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. That could complicate any potential move in the short term, making Aston Martin a more realistic option.
In summary, Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is hanging in the balance. The outcome of the next few races—particularly in Imola—could prove pivotal. If Red Bull fails to turn their fortunes around quickly, the F1 grid could see a major shake-up, with Verstappen potentially switching teams. Whether it’s Aston Martin or another ambitious outfit, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen remains one of the most sought-after talents in the sport, and his next move will be one of the biggest stories in the world of Formula 1.
