Why Max Verstappen shouldn’t leave Red Bull Before 2026

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has continued to express his interest in Verstappen. Rumors emerged that the Silver Arrows are willing to give Max Verstappen a higher salary than what Lewis Hamilton earned at Brackley. However, as per the current situation in the F1 paddock, Max Verstappen shouldn’t leave Red Bull before 2026.

Red Bull remains the best option for Max Verstappen despite Adrian Newey exit

Red Bull has dominated Formula 1 since the start of the ground-effect era in 2022. Some credit this success completely to Adrian Newey. However, insiders claim that Newey does not have the same influence on the car since taking a step back years ago. As such, it is likely that the Austrian giant would not be heavily impacted by Newey’s departure in 2025. Former F1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer emphasized that the Dutchman should stay at Red Bull next year.

Moreover, Mercedes has struggled to make gains in the ground-effect era. The Silver Arrows have failed to win a race since 2022. Despite the efforts, Toto Wolff has admitted that the team remains perplexed by its car’s performance. Max Verstappen recently mentioned that even a $250 million salary won’t matter if he does not get the best car.

On the other hand, 2026 remains a big unknown for Red Bull. Red Bull Ford Powertrains is rumored to be behind the team’s goals. Additionally, the lack of Newey will certainly have an impact on the 2026 car. While an outfit like Mercedes could potentially replicate its success from the Turbo hybrid era with the new regulations.

Despite the tensions within Red Bull, something which Max Verstappen’s father publicly criticized, the 26-year-old cares the most about performance. Verstappen could potentially ignore the current situation at the team and focus on his 2025 campaign with likely the best car on the grid. Moreover, the Dutchman is believed to have a strong bond with Technical Director Pierre Wache.

Max Verstappen has achieved historic success with Red Bull. It is unlikely that the Dutchman would get the same treatment from a team like Mercedes with George Russell at the helm. However, the reigning world champion could look at potential options for the 2026 regulations. Nevertheless, Verstappen’s best and perhaps only real option for next season remains Red Bull Racing.