The management of Adrian Newey has projected that Max Verstappen will unexpectedly leave Red Bull in 2026. The Milton Keynes-based squad has had a difficult time since Red Bull’s off-track turbulence, which included Christian Horner being accused of transgressive behavior by a Red Bull female colleague, which he rejected.
After an independent investigation, Horner was found not guilty of any allegations. There have been two significant departures at Red Bull since then. Chief technology officer Newey announced his leave in early 2025 and has since been linked to a move to Ferrari. Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s sporting director, most recently declared he will be leaving at the end of the 2024 campaign. Following a gardening leave of absence, the 57-year-old is scheduled to assume the role of team principal for the Audi squad in 2026. Red Bull’s disarray has also impacted their on-track results, since they haven’t been able to develop the car as quickly as competitors like McLaren and Mercedes. Consequently, the 2024
Red Bull’s disarray has also impacted their on-track results, since they haven’t been able to develop the car as quickly as competitors like McLaren and Mercedes. As a result, there are now at least four teams continuously vying for race victories, making the 2024 championship more competitive. Verstappen’s future has also come under scrutiny due to the circumstances surrounding Red Bull, with rumors of a move to Mercedes circulating. The Dutch driver may consider other options if Red Bull’s poor performance persists.
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, is searching for a successor for Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to join Ferrari in 2025. Verstappen’s possible transfer to Mercedes is becoming more likely after Wolff revealed that the Brackley-based team would adore having him. Eddie Jordan, the former manager of Newey’s F1 team, has stated that he would not be shocked if the three-time world champion chose to move from Red Bull to Mercedes. “Max and his father can’t be pleased with the turmoil at Red Bull, the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley,” he told F1-insider.
Mercedes is also getting stronger and stronger and has the edge. For this reason, I wouldn’t be shocked if Max switched to Mercedes in 2026.
