P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It is the will he-won’t he saga to end them all. Will Max Verstappen leave Red Bull any time soon?
Former team principal Otmar Szafnauer predicts that Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull in 2025, citing the team’s strong performance and stability. Despite Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen, no concrete reason exists for him to leave Red Bull before the expiration of his contract. Internal issues at Red Bull, including Christian Horner’s departure and Adrian Newey’s upcoming exit, possibly influenced Mercedes’ pursuit of Verstappen. Szafnauer believes that Verstappen has the tools for continued success at Red Bull in the current and upcoming seasons. He also notes the unpredictable nature of the 2026 season due to rule changes, suggesting Verstappen should stay put in 2025. This ongoing saga adds to the intense “silly season” in Formula 1, with many top drivers and team principals facing uncertain futures.
