What will be Max Verstappen's future in Formula 1? Will he stay in Red Bull? - Explained

Max Verstappen's future in Formula 1 has been the subject of much speculation, despite his contract with Red Bull extending until the end of 2028. Despite some interest from Mercedes several factors strongly indicate that Verstappen is unlikely to leave Red Bull in 2025. These include the team's dominant car, the lack of viable alternatives, and the inconsistent performance of other teams.

Dominant RB20 and other cars

First and foremost, Red Bull provides Verstappen with a dominant car. The team's engineering prowess and technical expertise have consistently produced competitive machinery, especially under the current ground effect regulations introduced in 2022.

The radically modified RB20 car has proven to be a powerhouse, giving Verstappen a significant edge over his competitors. With six wins in the first nine races of the current season, it is clear that Red Bull continues to be a front-runner.

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The team's ability to design and deliver a championship-winning car plays a crucial role in Verstappen's success and is a compelling reason for him to stay. However, the star engineer Adrian Newey is set to leave the squad after an ongoing season which might dent Red Bull’s prospects.

Lack of available options for Max Verstappen

Secondly, there are very limited options for Verstappen if he were to consider leaving Red Bull. Other top teams either have their driver line-ups secured or cannot offer the same level of competitiveness. For instance, Ferrari and McLaren have already confirmed their driver duos for 2025, and Aston Martin has solidified its line-up with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

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Mercedes being a potential option has struggled to match Red Bull's performance consistently. Moving to Mercedes would involve significant risks and uncertainties, as the team has not yet demonstrated it can provide a car capable of consistently challenging for championships. However, in the last two races, Mercedes has been phenomenal and has been the car to beat. 

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Inconsistent performance of other teams

Lastly, the inconsistent performance of other teams further cements Verstappen's position at Red Bull. While teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes occasionally challenge for race wins, they lack the consistent performance and reliability that Red Bull offers.

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For example, although Mercedes secured pole position and a podium finish in Canada, their performance has been fluctuating, and they have not consistently been in a position to challenge for the title. In contrast, Red Bull's dominance is evident, and the team has built a stable and successful environment around Verstappen, allowing him to focus on winning races and championships.