P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Rumblings of a potential exit from Red Bull for Max Verstappen have been present for a number of months amid tension at the reigning world champions.
Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 is uncertain, with rumors suggesting a possible departure from Red Bull despite his current contract running until 2028. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has expressed interest in bringing Verstappen to his team as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The speculation of Verstappen leaving has been fueled by a power struggle within Red Bull’s ownership group earlier this year. Verstappen has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if Helmut Marko, who has supported him since his F1 debut in 2015, also departs. Recent reports indicate that Marko would support Verstappen in leaving Red Bull if he desires, potentially due to concerns over the new 2026 Red Bull Powertrains engine regulations. With key figures like Adrian Newey departing in 2025, the decision of whether Verstappen will stay with Red Bull remains on the horizon amidst the changing landscape of Formula 1.
