Verstappen Red Bull exit ‘done’ as Mercedes boosted by…..read more
In a stunning development within the Formula 1 world, multiple reports are indicating that Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull Racing is no longer a matter of speculation but a done deal. Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, it appears that behind-the-scenes dynamics have drastically shifted, prompting the reigning world champion to consider an exit from the team that brought him multiple titles.
The catalyst for this potential exit seems to be a combination of internal strife and evolving power structures within Red Bull Racing. Although team principal Christian Horner has continued to publicly maintain that Verstappen is committed to the long term, insiders suggest that the driver has made up his mind about leaving. Sources close to the paddock claim the decision is not about performance alone but also due to concerns about management and the team’s internal culture. Tensions have been bubbling over the past few months, particularly following the controversy surrounding Horner earlier in the season. Although he was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing in that case, the incident is believed to have created rifts within the organization.
Adding fuel to the fire, Mercedes – Red Bull’s closest rival in recent seasons – seems to have made unexpected progress with their car development. While the team has been playing catch-up to Red Bull for the past two years, new upgrades introduced recently have reportedly delivered better-than-anticipated results. This sudden performance improvement could be playing a crucial role in Verstappen’s thinking. Moving to Mercedes would not only allow him to leave behind the political turbulence at Red Bull but also potentially offer him a competitive car capable of championship contention.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has long admired Verstappen’s talent and has previously hinted that he would welcome the opportunity to work with the Dutch driver. If Verstappen does decide to make the switch, it would mark one of the biggest driver transfers in F1 history. It would also bring a significant boost to Mercedes, a team that has been rebuilding since the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari.
As the F1 world continues to watch this unfolding saga, official confirmation is still pending. However, with increasing reports suggesting that Verstappen’s Red Bull exit is effectively “done,” the coming weeks could bring a seismic shift in the competitive landscape of the sport.
