Red Bull in crisis as Max Verstappen reportedly considers early exit. Max Verstappen’s Future at Red Bull Uncertain Amid Technical Struggles.

The Milton Keynes team is facing a very difficult start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, with technical problems and driver changes. Despite the victory in the Japanese Grand Prix and holding third place in the drivers’ championship, Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull no longer seems so certain.
Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but the lack of positive results could lead the four-time World Champion to leave the Milton Keynes outfit much earlier.

Over the past year, there have been many rumors about Max Verstappen’s future. Many theories but nothing concrete, although it’s no secret that the Dutch driver is highly sought after by several F1 teams. Last year, after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was announced, Max Verstappen was considered a possible candidate to replace him at Mercedes. Even Toto Wolff has never hidden his admiration for the four-time World Champion.

But it’s not just Mercedes. Aston Martin was also among the top rumored destinations and, after securing Adrian Newey, appeared keen on reuniting the successful duo. Ralf Schumacher has a very clear idea about Max Verstappen’s future.

Ralf Schumacher’s prediction
According to the former driver and Sky Sport DE commentator Ralf Schumacher, Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull could be imminent, depending on upcoming updates. Schumacher told Sky Sport Deutschland: “I’m fairly sure that if the car updates don’t have any effect at Imola and the new engine – I’m just talking about rumors – doesn’t work so well, Max Verstappen will definitely leave the team.” So according to the ex-driver, Imola could be a pivotal moment for both Red Bull’s and Max Verstappen’s future.

Ralf Schumacher also suggested that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff should seriously consider Max Verstappen if he becomes available early: “You can see the difference he makes, you absolutely must take him and want to have him.”

However, the Sky Sport Deutschland expert did not rule out Aston Martin in the race for the four-time World Champion, stating: “Together with Adrian Newey, who knows him very well. And Honda, which he also knows well, along with a factory that has a future.” For Ralf Schumacher, therefore, Max Verstappen’s possible destinations are essentially two: Mercedes and Aston Martin.