Max Verstappen is aching with a winless streak. The RBR starlet has not won a race since the Spanish GP. This is due to Red Bull’s technical woes combined with the internal power struggle. The team is fighting on multiple fronts, losing its Constructor’s Cup lead to McLaren. Meanwhile, Lando Norris is actively chasing Mx Verstappen to take the Drivers Cup.
Amid all the chaos, rumors of Verstappen exploring options for 2026 have surfaced. The Dutchman was linked with Mercedes, the top contender to dominate the revamped PU era. Also, a report suggested that Aston Martin might lure in the triple champion after signing Adrian Newey. However, the 26-year-old racer has dismissed all the speculations as he focuses on fixing RBR’s issue.
“I Have Enough To Worry About,” Max Verstappen Talks About Red Bull Exit Clause
Max Verstappen recently discussed his future in an exclusive interview with Autosport. He suggested that while there are opportunities for him to switch teams in 2026, his primary focus remains on improving Red Bull’s performance. Although several teams keep their options open for him, Verstappen expressed that his current priority is turning things around at Red Bull rather than considering future team changes.
Verstappen acknowledged that while he knows the possibilities ahead, he isn’t too concerned about them right now. For him, the focus is on addressing the issues Red Bull is currently facing, and he’s taking a “wait and see” approach regarding future developments. If a move doesn’t materialize, he’s comfortable with that outcome, knowing it wouldn’t significantly affect his life.
As rumors continue to link Verstappen with other teams like Aston Martin—who have recently secured key figures from Red Bull, such as Adrian Newey—the pressure is on for Red Bull. The team understands that to keep Verstappen onboard long-term, they must ensure he has a competitive car capable of delivering results.
Helmut Marko Gives A Dammning Verdict On Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Future
Helmut Marko recently discussed Max Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull, revealing that the Dutch driver, like many top-tier drivers, has performance-related exit clauses in his contract. Marko explained that if Red Bull fails to provide Verstappen with a competitive car capable of fighting at the front, he could consider other options. The upcoming regulation changes in 2026, which will introduce new car designs and heavily revised power units, add an extra layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Red Bull faces significant challenges ahead, especially with its transition to in-house power units at Red Bull Powertrains, which were developed in collaboration with Ford as Honda shifted to partner with Aston Martin. However, Verstappen believes that Red Bull is not alone in facing uncertainty for 2026. He emphasized that the new regulations will create a level of unpredictability for all teams, even those currently seen as having an advantage. The real impact of the changes will only become apparent once the 2026 season begins, leaving teams, including Red Bull, waiting to see how well their preparations will fare under the new rules.