Red Bull reportedly planning to swap Verstappen with another driver.
Red Bull Racing reportedly finds itself in discussions with a renowned Formula 1 race winner, allegedly laying the groundwork for Max Verstappen's potential exit. The Racing portal, citing internal sources, reported this development. While Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, a lackluster start to the current season has generated whispers about an early termination.
The Dutch racer has only managed to claim victory once this season, at the Japanese Grand Prix. Multiple teams, including Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin, have been mentioned as potential suitors for Verstappen's talents, with a sudden sabbatical not being ruled out.
If Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, the team would no doubt experience a significant void. Despite this, Red Bull appears to be prepared for various eventualities, with team principal Christian Horner reportedly engaging in "informal talks" with Mercedes driver George Russell recently.
The report suggests that while no formal negotiations have taken place regarding the cockpit, both parties are aware of their respective circumstances. Such a move would be particularly intriguing if Verstappen were to spurn a move to Mercedes in favor of a shift to Aston Martin or a brief hiatus.
Russell, aged 27, has yet to claim victory in the current season but emerged victorious in events held in Las Vegas and Austria last season.
Prior to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Christian Horner addressed the escalating Verstappen discourse, commenting that the surrounding commotion is "best described as noise." Horner noted that, within the team, Verstappen had expressed his continued commitment the previous day. The team appears to be collectively working towards enhancing the car's speed, with Verstappen playing a key role in this undertaking. The rest of the speculation, according to Horner, remains just that.
In recent years, Verstappen's contract with Red Bull includes a performance-based clause that could potentially facilitate a departure. However, Dr. Helmut Marko, a prominent figure at Red Bull, has dismissed such claims as "nonsense," asserting that while such a clause exists, it remains confidential and contractual. Despite these dismissals, skepticism about Verstappen's future persists, with some suggesting his management team could renegotiate the contract if a shift were desired.
While it is unclear how Verstappen's contract situation will unfold, Red Bull appears to be focused on securing his continued presence within the team by delivering improved performances.
The potential loss of Max Verstappen, following a lackluster start to the season, could result in a significant void for Red Bull Racing in sports, especially if top competitors like Mercedes, McLaren, or Aston Martin present compelling offers. This move could also lead to a change in the racing landscape, potentially ensuring Russell's seat at Red Bull or propelling Verstappen into a sabbatical or a shift to another team.
