Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has long been confirmed to remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season. His contract runs until the end of 2028, seemingly offering long-term stability for both driver and team. However, despite this binding agreement, fresh speculation has emerged regarding Verstappen’s future in Formula 1, particularly concerning the 2027 season.
Recent comments from Erik van Haren, a respected Formula 1 reporter for De Telegraaf who appeared as a guest on the F1 Nation Podcast, have reignited discussions about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull sooner than expected.
The Background: Verstappen’s Contract and Team Dynamics
Verstappen signed a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull in early 2022, securing his place with the team that won four consecutive world championships with him. The partnership between Verstappen and Red Bull has been one of the most dominant in Formula 1’s modern era, particularly between 2021 and 2023, when they produced record-breaking results through a combination of precision driving and engineering excellence.
However, 2024 has brought a more competitive landscape. The once dominant RB20 has faced stronger competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, raising questions about how Verstappen might respond if Red Bull fails to maintain its performance advantage amid the upcoming technical regulation changes in 2026.
Van Haren: ‘If the car isn’t competitive, he’ll consider leaving,’
During his appearance on the F1 Nation Podcast, Van Haren suggested that Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull may hinge on the team’s capacity to deliver a competitive car under the new 2026 engine regulations.
“If the car isn’t good enough or competitive in 2026, we’ll obviously be asked these questions again after two or three races,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll then think: ‘Okay, maybe I’ll leave.’”
According to van Haren, Verstappen has already demonstrated that he will not hesitate to consider his options if performance falters. Earlier this season, during Red Bull’s temporary dip in form, Verstappen reportedly took time to reflect on whether the team remained the best place for his long-term ambitions.
2027: A Year of Opportunity
The year 2027 could be a pivotal point in the Formula 1 driver market. Several major contracts are set to expire, potentially leaving multiple top seats open.
Van Haren pointed out that Lando Norris’s deal with McLaren ends after 2025, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s contracts at Ferrari expire during the same period. Meanwhile, Mercedes has confirmed George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli for 2026, but beyond that, its line-up is flexible.
Another key player is Aston Martin, which continues to invest heavily in its Formula 1 project. With Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s former technical chief, now working with Aston Martin, the prospect of a reunion between Verstappen and Newey becomes more realistic should Red Bull’s competitiveness decline.
Van Haren noted that, given this landscape, Verstappen would have the freedom to choose from several leading teams should he decide to move on.
“It’s not definitively decided yet, and he has plenty of time to decide. But if Red Bull isn’t competitive in 2026, I think there’s a pretty good chance he’ll leave and join another team in 2027.”
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Verstappen’s current resurgence
Despite the ongoing speculation, Verstappen’s recent form suggests that he and Red Bull have both rediscovered their momentum. The Dutch driver has won three of the last five races, reigniting his hopes in the championship battle and silencing critics who had begun to question the team’s direction earlier in the season.
This resurgence has been attributed to technical upgrades and shifts within Red Bull’s internal environment. The atmosphere at the team’s Milton Keynes headquarters has reportedly changed significantly following the departure of team principal Christian Horner.
A New Atmosphere at Red Bull Racing
According to van Haren, the improvement at Red Bull is not solely due to developments on the track. He pointed to a noticeable change in team culture and morale following the recent leadership transition.
“The first thing you notice is the change in atmosphere within the team,” he said. “You don’t have to be a psychologist to sense and see that. When you’re in the hospitality area, there’s less paranoia. It wasn’t just down to Christian Horner; there were two sides to the team. That was no secret. So it was somewhat uncomfortable to be around. But that’s completely over now.”
Laurent Mekies, who has taken on a greater leadership role within the organisation, appears to have brought renewed cohesion and focus. According to insiders, the team now operates with a calmer, more collaborative spirit, a change that has boosted Verstappen’s confidence and performance.
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The Road Ahead
While Verstappen’s long-term contract suggests stability, Formula 1 history has shown that contracts are often flexible when performance, ambition, and opportunity intersect. The new technical era beginning in 2026 will test every team’s ability to adapt to revised engine and chassis regulations.
If Red Bull maintains its form, Verstappen could continue to build his legacy with the team that elevated him to superstardom. However, if the performance gap widens and rival teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren or Aston Martin present a more appealing challenge, the prospect of a dramatic career change in 2027 cannot be dismissed.
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MORE F1 NEWS – Russell/Verstappen war of words continues behind the scenes
The modern Formula One drivers are media savvy having beenPR trained during their junior racing careers. Long gone are the days of Michael Schumacher storming down the pit lane in an attempt to punch his rival Damon Hill, so too are the warring team mate of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
Yet there is one rivalry which exposed in 2024 at the penultimate race weekend of the year in Qatar. On the high speed circuit of Losail, the drivers find it difficult to find enough space to get clean air for their qualifying laps which is crucial.
In an attempt to prevent drivers dawdling on track, the race director each weekend sets a minimum time for them to complete their non-push laps in qualifying, although transgressions often go unpunished as a driver will explain he was making room for a competitor.
Qatar row from 2024
Verstappen was following Alonso with both on a preparation lap when George Russell also preparing for a push run came flying up behind the Dutchman. He yelled over team radio that the speed Max was travelling was “super dangerous” and the matter was referred to the stewards.
Having claimed his first pole position in five months, Verstappen was demoted one place, with Russell benefitting from the decision. Yet the world champion was not a happy bunny after the meeting with the stewards where he claimed his rival had pleaded with the stewards to issue him with a penalty.
Verstappen went on to win the race with Russell only a disappointing fourth, but after the Grand Prix it became apparent there was an ongoing war of words between the two derivers.
In the post-race FIA press conference, Verstappen said: “Honestly, [it was] very disappointing because I…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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Norris is on a multi-year deal until at least next year’s end, & more likely even beyond that (likewise Piastri), while Hamilton is under contract until 2027-end based on Vasseur’s indirect indication at one point last year & Leclerc until the decade’s end.
On the other hand, Russell & Antonelli are almost certainly on 1+1 deals, meaning that 2027 is to be separately confirmed via an option, which is more likely to happen than not, especially on Russell’s side.
Therefore, even if Max wanted to leave after next season, he still might struggle to find space in a more competitive team.