Max Verstappen, who won four consecutive World Championships with Red Bull, could leave the franchise soon, as per F1 driver and expert Ralf Schumacher. He believes Verstappen will depart should the big upgrades Red Bull are planning for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix don't work out.
Max Verstappen Can Leave Red Bull?
Red Bull hasn't been able to make the ideal changes in the car, which in turn is affecting Verstappen's chances of claiming the driver's championship. As per Schumacher, if Max decides to exit Red Bull, he may join Aston Martin next.
“I’m pretty sure that if the upgrade on the car doesn’t take effect by Imola and the new engine [for 2026] doesn’t run quite as well, Max Verstappen will definitely leave the team. You can see the difference he makes, you absolutely have to get this driver, and everyone wants to have him,” Schumacher told Sky Germany.
“A bigger adventure awaits Verstappen at Aston Martin. Together with Adrian Newey, whom he knows very well, he also knows Honda very well, and [there is] also a new factory that has a future,” he added.
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Where Could Max Potentially Head to?
While he is seeking the milestone of winning 5 championships in a row, a feat only Michael Schumacher attained. However, things are not looking bright for Max Verstappen and Red Bull after four races. At the recently concluded Bahrain GP, Verstappen finished 6th, whereas his teammate Yuki Tsunoda culminated the race at the 9th spot. Though, he was able to showcase his mettle at the Japanese Grand Prix, which he won, Max Verstappen hasn't had much to cherish other than that till now.
If Verstappen does put a stop to his journey at Red Bull, then he can embark on another with Aston Martin. The team has been improving at an increasing pace. Moreover, they have a strong deal with Honda, the company that used to make Red Bull's engines, an aspect which could lure Max Verstappen.