Three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has sent shockwaves through the paddock by suggesting he could leave Red Bull Racing when his contract expires in 2028 - or even sooner.
The Dutch superstar, who has dominated F1 with Red Bull since 2021, dropped the bombshell during an interview where he refused to rule out a sensational switch to arch-rivals Mercedes.
Contract Clause Could Trigger Early Exit
Verstappen revealed his current deal includes performance-related clauses that could allow him to depart before 2028. "There are always mechanisms in place," the 26-year-old said cryptically.
This comes amid growing speculation about Mercedes' interest in securing Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton's long-term replacement following the British driver's shock move to Ferrari.
Red Bull Turmoil Raises Questions
The revelation follows months of internal turmoil at Red Bull, including:
- The investigation into team principal Christian Horner
- High-profile departures of key technical staff
- Growing tension between Verstappen's camp and Red Bull management
Verstappen admitted the team's off-track issues have been "not nice" but insisted they haven't affected his performance.
2026 Regulations: The Game Changer
All eyes are now on the major 2026 regulation changes, which could reshape the competitive landscape:
- New power unit specifications
- Revised aerodynamics package
- Increased sustainable fuel requirements
Verstappen emphasized that Red Bull's ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in his decision-making process.
"2026 is a very important year," he stated. "You want to be with a team that has the potential to win."
Mercedes Waiting in the Wings
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen, calling him "the outstanding driver of his generation."
With Hamilton departing and George Russell yet to establish himself as a consistent race winner, Mercedes could offer Verstappen:
- Number one driver status
- Technical freedom to shape car development
- Lucrative financial package
As the F1 world digests this potential seismic shift, one thing is clear - the 2026 driver market just got a whole lot more interesting.
