The Future of Max Verstappen: Rumors Swirl in Formula 1

The future of six-time Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen continues to be a hot topic of discussion within the Formula 1 paddock, following comments from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressing concern over the world champion potentially departing.

A Challenging Year for Red Bull and Verstappen

Despite retaining his title last year, Verstappen’s dominance waned towards the end of the season as McLaren and Ferrari claimed the top two spots in the constructors’ standings. This pattern has repeated itself at the start of 2025, with once again showing strong form – albeit with Verstappen delivering an impressive performance during the Japanese Grand Prix to secure victory at Suzuka.

The team held crisis talks following a less-than-stellar weekend in Bahrain, sparking questions about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull.

Potential Destinations for Verstappen

With few teams on the grid able to afford Verstappen, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has expressed doubts about partnering him next year. Mercedes could be another option, but its former strategy director James Vowles advises against a move.

I think there is more performance to be added through Max,” said the Williams team boss during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.“I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do, and Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping.

The Fit of Verstappen at Mercedes

Not only would a move to Mercedes mean they would need to make way for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, but with George Russell – who had a high-profile spat with Verstappen in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – looking set to sign a new deal, Vowles feels there would be even more negatives to the signing.

I don’t think so – I think they’re two very different characters,” he replied when asked if Russell and Verstappen could coexist.“I’m not Toto [Wolff, Mercedes boss] – but I think he’s got a really good driver line-up for the future. I think with Kimi – and I’m biased because I worked with him for a long period of time – if you just look at the steps he is making in qualifying, he’s making steps every single week and he’s only driven effectively four grand prix races.“He’s on a good pathway to being very, very competitive, so you keep investing in that, and George is delivering. You can’t really fault [him]; I mean, he’s been a bit quiet, but you can’t really fault anything he’s done this year.”