Max Verstappen is facing a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career as he decides whether to remain with Red Bull or pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere. While he is under contract with the team until 2028, his future is anything but certain, especially given the major internal shake-ups Red Bull has experienced over the past 18 months.
The most significant recent development is the removal of Christian Horner from his operational role. Horner’s departure may shift the dynamics within the team, particularly when it comes to Verstappen’s decision-making. Although Verstappen didn’t have an overt personal issue with Horner, tensions between the team principal and Verstappen’s father, Jos, were well documented. Jos had voiced serious concerns about the direction of the team under Horner’s leadership, suggesting it could fall apart if Horner remained in charge. Now that Horner is gone, one major source of discomfort—at least from the Verstappen family’s perspective—has been removed.
However, that alone might not be enough to convince Verstappen to stay. The Dutch driver was deeply unsettled by the string of controversies and high-profile departures within the Red Bull camp, particularly the exit of Adrian Newey, one of the most revered technical minds in the sport. Newey’s departure was a blow not just in terms of engineering capability, but also as a sign of instability within the organisation. Verstappen values performance, cohesion, and a clear sense of direction—all of which have been thrown into question recently.
Taking over the reins is Laurent Mekies, a respected figure who now bears the immense responsibility of stabilising the team and convincing Verstappen to stay. Mekies will need to not only restore order but also rebuild trust and a sense of long-term vision within the team. His task is twofold: ensure that Red Bull remains a competitive force on the track, and foster a working environment that appeals to Verstappen’s ambitions.
Meanwhile, Mercedes is circling. The team has reportedly had conversations with Verstappen and is keen to bring him in as part of its post-Hamilton strategy. While Verstappen’s current contract ties him to Red Bull for the foreseeable future, there are believed to be exit clauses or circumstances under which he could leave. If Red Bull can’t offer the performance and stability he desires, the possibility of a switch remains real.
Verstappen, though influenced by those close to him, is ultimately known to make his own decisions. He will weigh all factors carefully—the car’s competitiveness, the technical team’s cohesion, the internal atmosphere, and his own career aspirations. With Horner now out of the picture, one major obstacle has been cleared. But whether that is enough to tip the balance in Red Bull’s favour remains to be seen.
For now, Verstappen is in control. His choice will have wide-reaching implications not only for Red Bull and Mercedes but also for the broader landscape of Formula 1.
