‘Good Bye for now’- Max Verstappen drops bombshell of leaving Red Bull at Japanese GP

F1 world champion Max Versappen spoke at a press meet in Japan ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. The four-time world champion won every championship driving a Honda-powered car. As Red Bull and Honda are separating next year, Verstappen thanked the Japanese auto manufacturer for their contributions to Red Bull.

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Watch: Max Verstappen dropping Bombshell on Red Bull's future

"Goodbye for now" - Max Verstappen hints at possible relationship with Honda in future#f1 #formula1 #sportsinfoxtreme #MaxVerstappen #RedBull #f1jp #JapaneseGP #Honda pic.twitter.com/eOXJqfjivG

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But in that, he dropped a huge bombshell about leaving the Red Bull Racing team. Max Vertsappen said, “First, I try to enjoy the weekend and go as fast as I can. But at this moment, I’m just remembering all that we have achieved together in the sport.”

He added, “I would say it’s goodbye for now. I’m quite young; you never know what’s going to happen in the future. I’m incredibly thankful to Honda for everything they have done to me.” This is a huge revelation, as Max Verstappen was linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin. From 2026, Honda will partner with the Aston Martin F1 team as their new engine supplier. Adrian Newey, the F1’s greatest designer, is now the managing technical partner for them. 

Verstappen achieved everything in his career driving a Honda-powered Red Bull car. So, many experts say this is the last year Max will be driving for the Red Bull team, as they are going on a downfall. He can break the contract anytime and join either Mercedes or Aston Martin as their new driver. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are Mercedes drivers, and their contracts are yet to be renewed. If Max decides to go to Mercedes, they will be more than happy to sign him.

As far as Aston Martin is concerned, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are the drivers.  2026 will be so important as the new era starts with fresh regulations and the addition of the 11th Formula 1 team, Cadillac F1. We expect a big driver shakeup, and we also expect many former drivers to return to racing.

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