13 Reasons Why Verstappen Might Walk Away from Red Bull

Saajan JogiaMay 11, 2025

11 minutes read

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, Red Bull Racing’s 2025 season has turned into a captivating tale of potential instability and transformation. As Max Verstappen navigates through a year rife with speculation about his future, the team’s performance, contractual nuances, and external interest, the dynamics at play offer a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of motorsport’s most elite competition. This article delves into the various factors and narratives that are shaping Red Bull’s tumultuous journey and the possible ramifications for its star driver, Max Verstappen.

Table of Contents

13. Red Bull’s Inconsistent 2025 Performance

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505043342 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull’s 2025 campaign has been plagued by inconsistency, from unexpected victories like Suzuka to lackluster results in Bahrain and China. The RB21 has struggled with tire wear and reliability, and Verstappen himself has voiced concerns about the team’s performance gap to rivals like McLaren. This turbulent form fuels exit speculation.

12. Verstappen’s Contractual Exit Clause for Championship Position

Max Verstappen - $55 million — Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen walks the padock at the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Max Verstappen could trigger an exit from Red Bull if he falls below a certain position in the Drivers’ Championship. Recent reports revealed that if Verstappen isn’t within the top two by the 2025 summer break, he’d be free to leave the team. Currently sitting third behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, this clause has become increasingly relevant as McLaren leads the competitive field this season.

11. Liam Lawson’s Unexpected Demotion After Two Races

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 16: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202503160034 // Usage for editorial use only //

In April 2025, Red Bull shocked the F1 world by demoting Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls after just two races, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson himself admitted the decision came as a “shock” that he “wasn’t expecting.” This unprecedented mid-season swap highlights Red Bull’s ruthless approach to driver management, potentially making Verstappen question his own future security despite his champion status.

10. Zak Brown’s Bold Prediction About a Mercedes Move

McLaren CEO Zak Brown publicly predicted Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull for Mercedes at the end of 2025, citing Mercedes’ historic dominance, their strong relationship with Verstappen, and the anticipated edge of Mercedes’ power unit for 2026’s new regulations. Brown insists, “If I was betting, I’d bet on Merc.”

9. Mercedes’ Open Interest Following Hamilton’s Departure

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 03: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505030234 // Usage for editorial use only //

With Lewis Hamilton officially joining Ferrari at the start of 2025, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been openly pursuing Max Verstappen. After Hamilton’s departure was announced in February 2024, Wolff admitted to holding talks with Verstappen’s camp during the previous season’s summer break, stating he maintains interest in signing the Dutch driver for 2026. This vacancy has created a prime opportunity for Verstappen to potentially fill Hamilton’s championship-winning seat.

8. The “Non-Crisis Summit” in Bahrain

Following a disastrous Bahrain Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished a frustrated sixth and questioned Red Bull’s pace and reliability, senior team leadership convened an urgent meeting at the track. Although dubbed a “crisis summit” by media, Christian Horner insisted it was just routine problem-solving. Regardless, visible tensions raised further doubts about Verstappen’s long-term commitment.

7. Helmut Marko’s Public Concerns About Losing Verstappen

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 03: Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505030194 // Usage for editorial use only //

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, openly admitted earlier in 2025 that he was “greatly concerned” about losing Max Verstappen if the team’s performance did not swiftly improve. Marko stressed urgent upgrades were needed for Verstappen to remain championship-competitive, highlighting real vulnerability for Red Bull amid McLaren’s rise.

6. McLaren’s Dominance in the 2025 Championship

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 16: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202503160082 // Usage for editorial use only //

McLaren’s resurgence in 2025 has been remarkable, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris holding firm at the top of both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings. Their impressive performance has left Max Verstappen trailing by over 30 points, a clear signal that Red Bull’s dominance is being challenged like never before.

5. The Heated Conversation with Verstappen’s Manager

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – APRIL 12: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 12, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202504120277 // Usage for editorial use only //

After a disappointing sixth-place finish at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz observed a tense exchange between Max Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Kravitz described Vermeulen as giving Marko “a piece of his mind” before storming off, removing his pass as he left. The frustration stemmed from ongoing car issues and slow pit stops that plagued Verstappen’s race.

4. Aston Martin’s Rumored High-Value Offer

In April 2025, reports emerged that Aston Martin was preparing a staggering three-year deal worth $300 million to lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull for the 2026 season. The offer is reportedly backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which owns approximately 20.5% of the team. Despite Aston Martin publicly committing to their current driver lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, these rumors persist as Red Bull continues to struggle with performance issues.

3. Adrian Newey’s Departure from Red Bull

The announcement that legendary designer Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull in early 2025 has sent shockwaves through the paddock. Newey’s technical brilliance powered Red Bull’s dominance, and his exit raises doubts about the team’s long-term competitiveness. This major shift could influence Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull.

2. Toto Wolff’s Continued Interest in Verstappen

Despite Mercedes confirming a Russell-Antonelli line-up for 2025, Toto Wolff hasn’t fully ruled out a future move for Verstappen. Wolff revealed summer talks with Verstappen’s management and acknowledged a genuine, if slim, window of possibility, maintaining interest as Red Bull’s internal struggles continued throughout 2024.

1. Red Bull’s Current Third Place Position in the Championship

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes battle for track position on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505050364 // Usage for editorial use only //

For much of 2025, Red Bull has slipped to third place in the Constructors’ standings with just 105 points, trailing McLaren and Mercedes. This drop follows years of dominance and intensifies speculation about Max Verstappen’s future, as he may seek a team with a more competitive edge.

Conclusion:

As Red Bull grapples with internal challenges, contractual uncertainties, and increased competition from emerging teams like McLaren, the 2025 season marks a pivotal crossroads for the team and its leading driver, Max Verstappen. With key figures such as Adrian Newey departing and enticing offers emerging from rival teams, the choices ahead will not only redefine Verstappen’s career but also potentially alter Red Bull’s trajectory in the Formula 1 landscape. All eyes remain fixed on how these unfolding events will shape the future of one of the sport’s most dynamic teams.