F1 News Today: Verstappen’s Red Bull exit date revealed as protest ramps up over…..read more
In a surprising development shaking the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull Racing has taken center stage following revelations from McLaren CEO Zak Brown. The F1 paddock is buzzing as Brown has now hinted at a specific timeframe when the reigning World Champion could walk away from the dominant Red Bull team and possibly make a stunning move to arch-rivals Mercedes.
According to Brown, Verstappen may not be as tied down to Red Bull as many might have assumed. Despite the Dutch driver being under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, fresh details suggest that Verstappen could exit much sooner under certain circumstances. Brown’s comments have ignited speculation that Verstappen could leave as early as 2026, coinciding with the start of F1’s next generation of power unit regulations. Mercedes, who are believed to be keenly watching the situation unfold, are reportedly exploring options to lure the three-time world champion.
The tension has been further fueled by Verstappen’s silence amid growing internal turmoil within Red Bull Racing, particularly surrounding ongoing investigations involving senior Red Bull figures and disputes behind the scenes. Insiders suggest that Verstappen may be assessing the long-term stability of Red Bull, especially as rival teams like Mercedes and McLaren are ramping up their competitiveness with major investments in personnel and facilities.
Brown’s remarks came as part of a broader critique of the current governance within the FIA, which has also triggered a separate wave of unrest. There is a rising outcry among teams and fans protesting what many consider to be inconsistent and controversial actions by the FIA, particularly related to penalties and bans affecting team members and executives across the grid.
While Brown did not explicitly confirm Verstappen’s exit as a certainty, he made it clear that no driver is immovable in Formula 1, regardless of their contract length or recent successes. Brown believes that Verstappen, like any top-level driver, will prioritize being in the most competitive and stable environment—something that could be compromised if Red Bull fails to maintain its internal cohesion.
This latest twist also comes amid swirling rumors that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been in discreet contact with Verstappen’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential blockbuster move. Verstappen’s ties to Mercedes’ engine supplier could also play a crucial role as the Silver Arrows prepare for the 2026 regulation overhaul, which promises a reset of the competitive order.
In parallel, protests are mounting across the F1 landscape following recent FIA decisions, including bans and sanctions perceived by some as politically motivated. Red Bull has been particularly vocal against certain rulings, claiming a lack of transparency and fairness. The unrest is now bleeding into the drivers’ camp, where figures like Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen himself are reportedly voicing private concerns about how the sport is being governed.
For Verstappen, who has been the face of Red Bull’s recent dominance, any exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad would send shockwaves throughout the sport. His departure would mark the end of an era defined by Red Bull’s engineering brilliance and Verstappen’s relentless drive on the track. It could also dramatically shift the power dynamics at the front of the grid, with teams like Mercedes eager to reclaim their former glory after a few seasons in Red Bull’s shadow.
As the FIA faces increasing scrutiny and protests escalate, Verstappen’s future is now under a magnifying glass. Will Red Bull manage to restore internal harmony and convince their star driver to honor his full contract, or will the allure of a fresh challenge with a revitalized Mercedes prove too tempting?
One thing is clear: Formula 1 fans and insiders alike will be closely watching Verstappen’s next moves as the 2025 season progresses—and as the sport braces for seismic changes on and off the track.
