Max Verstappen crucial decision date predicted in Red Bull Exit t…read more
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is reportedly in no rush to leave Red Bull Racing, with a crucial decision on his future expected to come after the 2026 season. According to former Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner, Verstappen’s next career move will largely depend on how competitive Red Bull remains under the upcoming engine regulations.
For much of this season, rumors have circulated suggesting Verstappen could make a sensational switch to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The speculation intensified earlier in the year when talks between Mercedes and Verstappen’s camp were neither confirmed nor denied. This led to widespread debate about whether the Dutchman might look to join Mercedes in anticipation of the 2026 regulation changes, which will introduce a new generation of power units.
However, Verstappen publicly put those rumors to rest ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, confirming his commitment to Red Bull for the 2026 season. His current contract runs through to the end of 2028, but it contains specific clauses that could allow him to walk away earlier if performance targets are not met. This has kept the door open for a potential move elsewhere should Red Bull falter when the new regulations arrive.
The 2026 season will be a pivotal year for the team as it marks the debut of Red Bull’s own in-house engine program. Without their long-time power unit supplier, they will face a major technical challenge competing against established engine manufacturers. This uncertainty has fueled the theory that Verstappen might eventually jump ship if Red Bull is unable to deliver a championship-contending car.
Speaking in an interview with Lottoland, Steiner predicted that Verstappen will take a calculated, strategic approach. Rather than making any hasty decisions, the Dutchman is expected to evaluate the competitive landscape once the 2026 season plays out. “Max will wait until the first season with the new regulations in 2026, see which car is good and not so good… and then at the end of 2026 he decides where he wants to be in 2027,” Steiner explained.
Steiner also argued that moving to Mercedes at the start of the new regulations would not be a wise decision. He noted that there is no guarantee Mercedes will have the fastest or most reliable car when the new rules come into effect. If Verstappen were to sign a multi-year deal with the team and the car turned out to be uncompetitive, it could leave him trapped in a difficult situation.
“Just to change to Mercedes without certainty that they’ll have a good car in 2026 doesn’t make sense,” Steiner added. “He’d have to sign a multi-year deal, and if the car’s not competitive, it’s hard to catch up.”
Instead, Steiner believes Verstappen’s best move is to remain patient and observe how the field shapes up. If Red Bull continues to build a championship-caliber car, there will be no need for him to leave. But if the team struggles, Verstappen has the leverage to activate his exit clauses and move to a rival outfit.
“Next year, Max will stay, see what Red Bull is doing, and then decide. I’m pretty sure he can get out of his contract if it’s not a championship contender,” Steiner concluded.
In essence, Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 hinges on performance rather than loyalty. While Red Bull remains the dominant force today, the sweeping 2026 regulation changes could reshape the competitive order entirely — and Verstappen intends to position himself with the best team possible to keep winning.
