18/07/2025 19:09
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has predicted that
Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull - but not at the end of the
current season. Speculation has been intensifying that the
four-time F1 champion could quit the Milton Keynes-based outfit at
the end of 2025 to complete a move to Mercedes for when the new
regulations kick in next term. Before his recent sacking as Red
Bull team principal, Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko both
refused to deny their star driver could depart, as has Verstappen
himself. Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, recently
confirmed that talks with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff were
taking place ; however, he insisted it was perfectly normal.
Despite the 27-year-old being contracted to Red Bull until the end
of 2028, it is widely believed he has several performance-related
exit clauses in his contract which could be activated this summer.
Nevertheless, Steiner expects the Dutchman to keep faith with Red
Bull for another year, before potentially leaving at the end of
2026. When asked on Talksport if Verstappen will leave Red Bull in
the future, Steiner answered: "I would say yes, at any point, I
don't think for next year. "My take is he will stay where he is
next year to see how the cars next year are with the new
regulations, new engines, new cars, everything is new. Nobody
really knows who is where, who will be good, no idea. "So if you
make a change now, you take a big risk, and at this stage, I think
he maybe stays where he is for next year, and maybe end of next
year, he sees how the cards stack, who has a good car, and then
tries to get in the best car. "And normally, if you are the best
driver, you have a chance to get in the best car, because they are
the people who want you. "And he's a very wise guy, very well
advised by his father and his manager. And I think he just waits it
out for next year. "End of next year, he'll make a decision where
he will be going for '27."
