The Japan Grand Prix dates back to less than two weeks. But at the Max Verstappen level, one might think that months have passed.
In Suzuka, the Dutchman dominated the qualifications before staying in the lead throughout the race. To the strength of the wrist. With pure talent.
Then in Bahrain, last weekend, disaster. The quadruple world champion only qualified seventh before finishing in sixth place. Anonymous. Not really enough to fill a max Verstappen.
It didn’t take more so that Raymond Vermeulen, his manager, was struggling in all directions. In the Bahrain paddock, we saw him angry in discussion with Helmut Marko, the director of motorsport of the Red Bull stable.
Since then, rumors claim that Max Verstappen is preparing to pack his bags of the Anglo-Austrian stable, with which he played his tenth season.
Verstappen: “I’m not happy with the car”
Noises confirmed by the words of the famous Helmut Marko on German television on Thursday: “There is a very risk that Max will choose to leave,” he said. Max Verstappen signed a contract with Red Bull bearing until 2028, but Helmut Marko said that this contract contained escape clauses…
Friday, in Jeddah’s paddock, Christian Horner, the boss of the Red Bull stable, tried to extinguish the fire: “It’s only noise. There are many rumors everywhere, including inside the team. But we remain focused on how to improve the car. And Max helps us get there. His future is not a subject if we succeed … “
This means that if the stable does not succeed, its date driver could indeed go away. “Many people talk about my future except me,” said the latter to Jeddah. “I focus on my job, that’s all. I’m not happy with the car right now, it’s no secret. I can’t do much. For now, I can’t fight for the title, and it’s frustrating. “
If these words constitute a denial compared to the rumors of his departure, he is rather soft.
Instead of Russell?
Max Verstappen could thus leave for Aston Martin in 2026, where he will find the former designer of Red Bull, Adrian Newey, as well as the Honda engine.
He could also, more likely, sign at Mercedes, in place of George Russell whose contract ends this season. The Briton did not deserve. But faced with the possibility of aligning Max Verstappen, it is likely that the heart of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss, leans for a tandem Verstappen – Antonelli … to follow!
