Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 has intensified once again, after former Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher claimed that the former world champion has ‘lost faith’ in Red Bull. These comments follow multiple reports linking Verstappen with McLaren, and TJ13 has now learned from a Red Bull insider that figures within the Milton Keynes team are preparing for the possibility of Verstappen’s departure.
With the summer break approaching, Verstappen’s future has become one of the biggest stories in Formula 1.
According to reports from various news outlets, discussions regarding a potential move away from Red Bull have accelerated, with contractual exit clauses potentially enabling the Dutchman to leave prior to the conclusion of his current contract.
Ralf Schumacher believes Verstappen will leave Red Bull
Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast on Sky Germany, the former Formula 1 driver said he believes that both Verstappen and Red Bull have now reached a point where a split would be best for everyone involved.
“I believe Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull. Both sides have now reached the point where it no longer hurts.”
Schumacher believes that the relationship between the driver and the team has deteriorated significantly.
“I think that Max has lost faith in the team.”
According to Schumacher, the feeling is now mutual.
He also suggested that McLaren has emerged as Verstappen’s preferred destination should he decide to activate an exit clause.
“From my point of view, he will now sit down with McLaren.”
These comments follow reports by PlanetF1, citing multiple sources in the paddock, which claimed that Verstappen and McLaren are in the final stages of lengthy negotiations regarding a dramatic switch.
A Red Bull source told TJ13 that the team is preparing for a Verstappen announcement
While neither Red Bull nor Verstappen has publicly commented on the latest speculation, TJ13 has now received further information from a source close to the Red Bull operation.
The source says that, behind closed doors, members of the factory team are increasingly expecting Verstappen to confirm his departure once contractual conditions allow.
Although no official decision has been announced, the source indicated that internal planning has already begun around the possibility of losing the four-time world champion. This reflects a growing acceptance within the organisation that his exit is increasingly likely.
TJ13 has not independently verified where Verstappen intends to race next, but this information aligns with the growing number of reports suggesting that Red Bull is preparing for life without its star driver.
An exit clause could prove decisive
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028.
However, several reports have stated that his contract contains a performance-related exit clause that could activate if he is outside the top two in the Drivers’ Championship by the summer break.
The Dutchman is currently well adrift of the championship leaders, which has renewed focus on whether these conditions will soon be met.
PlanetF1 also reported that Red Bull attempted to buy out the release clause with a multi-million-dollar offer, which Verstappen is said to have rejected.
Frustration is growing after a difficult weekend at Silverstone
This latest speculation comes just days after another disappointing weekend for Verstappen at Silverstone, where he once again expressed doubts about the competitiveness of the RB22.
Speaking after the race, Verstappen admitted that it had been a difficult experience that was “Painful, frustrating.”
He also suggested that he was eager to take a short break from Formula 1.
“I’m looking forward to getting home and not thinking about Formula 1.”
These comments have fuelled growing questions about whether Verstappen still believes that Red Bull can return to championship-winning form under the 2026 regulations.
While nothing has yet been officially confirmed, the combination of Schumacher’s assessment, the ongoing reports from McLaren, and the information from within Red Bull provided by TJ13 suggests that Formula 1 could be edging closer to one of the most significant driver moves in modern history.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Ralf, as usual. He isn’t exactly known for being highly reliable.
Coincidentally, I visit PlanetF1 daily, but since they aren’t like AMuS & AMuS hasn’t reported anything about Max or Oscar (& neither has Erik Van Haren), I’m reserved about the claim that he’d be in the final stages.