Is Verstappen leaving Red Bull?

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher expects Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull prematurely.

July 08, 2026

From: apa

“I believe Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull; both sides have reached a point where it no longer hurts,” the Sky expert said on the “Backstage Boxengasse” podcast, referring to a subjective feeling he had. “I think Max has lost faith in the team.” He added that the feeling was mutual. “From my perspective, he will now sit down with McLaren.”

Verstappen has won the World Championship four times. But the 28-year-old Dutchman is no longer fighting for the top spots with Red Bull. Most recently, he complained loudly about his car again at Silverstone last weekend. "Painful, frustrating," Verstappen said of driving his car. "I'm looking forward to getting home and not thinking about Formula 1." A problem with the rear of his car forced him to retire just a few laps before the end of the British Grand Prix.

The ominous clause

Verstappen came through the Red Bull junior program. He made his Formula 1 debut in 2014 for the then sister team Toro Rosso, and was promoted to Red Bull in 2016. He actually has a contract until the end of 2028.

A clause with a reported cut-off date of July 1st is said to allow him to leave the championship early if he is not among the top two drivers in the standings. Verstappen, however, is currently only seventh, 103 points behind Mercedes leader Kimi Antonelli.

How will the Dutchman decide? © ANSA / PETER POWELL / POOL

According to British media, the 71-time Grand Prix winner and McLaren have reportedly moved closer to a deal. Mercedes is also frequently mentioned as a potential suitor. However, both McLaren (world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri) and Mercedes (Antonelli and George Russell) have recently confirmed their intention to continue with their current driver lineups.

Keywords Motorsport Formula 1 Red Bull Max Verstappen