Formula 1 Expert Predicts Max Verstappen’s Departure from Red Bull

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has made a bold prediction about the future of four-time champion Max Verstappen. In an interview with Formel1.de YouTube channel before the Japanese Grand Prix, he suggested that Verstappen might leave Red Bull if they fail to improve their car in the coming races.

Red Bull’s Struggles This Season

The Milton Keynes squad has underperformed this season, despite a strong run in the ground-effect era. Currently placed fourth in the constructors’ standings with 36 points after three races, they are significantly behind pace setters McLaren who have amassed 78 points between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The RB21 machine has been challenging to master, leading to the early departure of Liam Lawson just two race weekends into the 2025 season. Verstappen himself admits that the car is “the fourth-fastest car behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.

Verstappen’s Dissatisfaction with the RB21

Verstappen trails championship leader Norris by eight points, indicating his dissatisfaction with the car’s performance. The issues seem to revolve around the car’s handling and tire management, as evidenced in China where Verstappen struggled on medium tires but performed better on hards.

For a driver aiming for his fifth consecutive championship, this level of performance is unacceptable according to Schumacher. He predicts that if Red Bull fails to make significant improvements in the next few races, Verstappen will likely seek greener pastures.

Potential Destinations for Verstappen

McLaren racing boss Zak Brown has also hinted at Verstappen’s potential departure, suggesting he might move to Mercedes at the end of the year. With Mercedes boasting over ten years of experience in building hybrid powertrains and expected to have a potent powertrain come 2026 regulation changes, they could be an attractive option for Verstappen.

Red Bull’s new partnership with Ford could be a risky move for the reigning champion, given Mercedes‘ dominance in the hybrid era. The upcoming triple-header of races in Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia will be crucial for Red Bull as they strive to salvage their season.

With Yuki Tsunoda as Verstappen’s teammate, the pair will aim for podium finishes. However, if this proves unattainable, could we see Verstappen exploring other opportunities?