JUST IN : Verstappen’s Red Bull exit date given as truth behind Horner relationship revealed…Read more

Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has become a hot topic, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown suggesting a potential exit date for the reigning champion. Brown believes Verstappen could make the switch to Mercedes, a move that would undoubtedly shake up the Formula 1 grid and put Red Bull under immense pressure.

McLaren, under Brown’s leadership, currently boasts one of the most stable driver pairings in the sport. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have secured long-term contracts, positioning them as strong contenders for the 2025 drivers’ championship. However, despite having no direct involvement in Verstappen’s contract situation, Brown’s latest comments add fuel to growing speculation about the Dutchman’s future.

Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has enjoyed significant success with Red Bull in recent years. However, his dominance was challenged in the latter half of 2024 due to performance issues that seem to have carried over into the new season. These setbacks have raised questions about Red Bull’s ability to maintain their edge, especially as McLaren, the 2024 constructors’ champions, appear to have built a much stronger car for the 2025 campaign.

For the first time in three seasons, Verstappen is not entering the year as the clear favorite for the title. McLaren’s impressive development has put Norris and Piastri in a prime position to compete at the front, leaving Red Bull scrambling to address their performance gaps. Verstappen himself has acknowledged the challenges ahead, admitting that significant improvements are needed if he hopes to fight for victories in the early races.

Rumors of a potential team switch have been swirling for months, with various teams linked to Verstappen’s signature. During the off-season, Aston Martin was believed to be leading the race to secure his services, especially following the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey. However, the British team has since denied any discussions regarding Verstappen joining them in 2026 or beyond.

Now, the focus has shifted to Mercedes, who are still searching for a long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton following his decision to leave for Ferrari in 2025. Brown’s remarks suggest that Verstappen could make the move sooner than expected, potentially joining the Silver Arrows once his current Red Bull contract allows for an exit.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, is unlikely to be pleased with Brown’s comments, as the speculation only adds to the internal tensions within the team. With Red Bull facing challenges both on and off the track, Verstappen’s future remains one of the biggest talking points in the F1 paddock.

As the season progresses, Red Bull will need to prove that they can provide Verstappen with a car capable of winning titles. If they fail to do so, the prospect of seeing him in Mercedes colors might become a reality sooner rather than later.