Ex-F1 team principal explains when Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull and why

Since his debut, Max Verstappen has been one of the biggest talkers of the town in Formula 1. His amazing skills and winning ability made him a fan favourite. The three-time world champion is currently enjoying his time with Red Bull Racings in the F1 grid. 

However, there has been a lot of speculation about his possible decision to leave the Milton Keynes-based team. There have been rumours that Mercedes is offering him a place to replace Lewis Hamilton despite knowing he is in contract with Red Bull until 2028. 

Amid all this drama former Force India, Racing Point, Aston Martin, and Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has now spoken on the issue. Szafnauer believes there is no reason for Verstappen to leave Red Bull next season. However, he revealed a possible departure date for Verstappen too. 

"We're lucky to see a guy like Max, in our day, racing while we're involved," said Szafnauer while speaking in a RacingNews365 podcast. "If I were Max, as long as Red Bull is performing to the level they are, I would stay. For 2025, [with the] Honda powertrain, and except for Adrian, everyone else is the same, you've got a good chassis, the regulations aren't changing - why leave?”, he further asked. 

‘There is a huge change in 2026’, says Otmar Szafnauer 

Further speaking about the possibilities of Max Verstappen’s switch in 2026, Otmar Szafnauer said that it can happen as there will be a lot of changes in regulations too. He said, “For 2026, there is a huge change, and no one knows the pecking order. Powertrains change as well, no one knows that, so a massive change then, and you've got to guess 'Where is the best spot I can pick?' But for me, in 2025, I would stay."

Notably, heading into the season, it was widely acknowledged that half of the current F1 lineup would be without contracts by the season's end. It fueled speculation regarding who would stay put and who would seek new opportunities.

The F1 world was left astounded when Lewis Hamilton announced on February 1 that he would depart Mercedes to join Ferrari, triggered by an escape clause in his contract. The ongoing drama surrounding Verstappen has further intensified the situation. 

Adrian Newey also becoming a subject of discussion regarding whether he will choose retirement or, more likely, follow Hamilton's path to Ferrari. Otmar Szafnauer expressed his amazement, stating, "In my 26 years, this is perhaps the most tumultuous silly season I've ever witnessed."