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Max Verstappen may be tied to Red Bull until 2028, but recent reports suggest that the reigning F1 champion could be weighing his options as uncertainty looms over the Milton Keynes-based team’s long-term prospects.
Desiring to pose competitive elbow challenges on their biggest rivals, i.e., Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull, Aston Martin has deep pockets and can afford to pay Max Verstappen. OE24 is very serious about this; the sum could be enormous, exceeding £200 million yearly, equaling more than £1 billion over the duration of a five-year contract for Max.
Frustration Grows as Red Bull's Dominance Wavers
The 27-year-old Dutch driver is rumored to be exploring alternatives, driven in part by Red Bull's gradual decline in performance and the upcoming shake-up in regulations for 2026. Despite his contract running for another three seasons, Verstappen’s future with the team is now the subject of intense speculation.
Former F1 driver and current pundit Ralf Schumacher believes that Verstappen is keeping his options open and might consider switching to one of several top teams in the near future.
"There Will Be Room for Verstappen Everywhere"
Speaking on Sky Sports Germany’s F1 podcast Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher said:
"There will be room for Verstappen everywhere. Once again this year he has shown what a difference he can make as a driver."
Schumacher acknowledged that Verstappen’s talent makes him a prized asset across the grid, particularly as teams prepare for the sweeping regulation changes expected in 2026.
Mercedes and Aston Martin Still in the Mix
Two of the most commonly discussed landing spots for Verstappen remain Mercedes and Aston Martin. Schumacher reiterated those links, highlighting that Mercedes might be preparing to make room for the Dutchman should he decide to walk away from Red Bull.
McLaren a Viable Contender?
Interestingly, Schumacher also floated McLaren as a potential destination. Although the team recently secured long-term contracts with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Schumacher suggested McLaren still has an eye on Verstappen.
"I think people at Mercedes will want to free up space, but I also think McLaren will consider it," he said. "I think Zak Brown, like everyone else, is interested in Max."
The Wild Card: Alpine Enters the Picture
Perhaps the most unexpected name in the conversation was Alpine. Schumacher mentioned the French outfit as a dark horse, especially given their new engine partnership with Mercedes starting in 2026.
"The team we keep forgetting about, but does play a role in the whole thing... Alpine," Schumacher noted. "Flavio Briatore has taken Mercedes engines for his team next year, and in the meantime, look at Pierre Gasly [in Bahrain] last weekend."
Gasly delivered a solid performance in Bahrain, qualifying fifth and finishing seventh after being overtaken by Verstappen in the final lap. Schumacher believes that with the added boost from Mercedes power units, Alpine could become a serious contender.
"That car can't be that bad," Schumacher added. "Add to that an extra 30hp [horse power] from the Mercedes engine. I don't want to discount that team either. So in my eyes, there are four teams that could be interesting for Verstappen."
Four Teams Eye Verstappen’s Signature
According to Schumacher, the top candidates for Verstappen’s services—should he opt to exit Red Bull—are Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Alpine. With the driver market expected to heat up ahead of the 2026 regulation overhaul, Verstappen could have some major decisions to make in the not-so-distant future.
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