Max Verstappen Backed to Leave Red Bull for New Challenge

Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull to seek a new challenge in Formula 1 if the opportunity becomes available.

Brundle used a comparison with Lewis Hamilton to explain how an elite driver can reset after an extended spell with one team. Hamilton was cited as an example of a driver who pursued a fresh challenge after spending a long period within the same structure.

Verstappen has been part of the Red Bull family since stepping up to Formula 1 in 2015. He joined the senior team early the following season and immediately won on debut for the Milton Keynes-based squad at the Spanish Grand Prix after replacing Daniil Kvyat.

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The contractual context has again placed Verstappen’s future under scrutiny. As he can no longer be inside the top two of the drivers’ championship by the summer break, he is able to trigger the exit clause in his Red Bull contract despite having two years remaining on the deal.

“I think if he could go, he will go at some point, whether it's 2027 or 2028, and do something fresh for him,” Brundle said on Sky Sports F1.

“We see drivers do that. We saw Lewis Hamilton do that, for example, and get a reset and a new challenge after a very long time in a team,” he added.

However, Brundle also highlighted Verstappen’s limited alternatives. Mercedes is described as committed to keeping George Russell and Kimi Antonelli next year, McLaren has ruled out a move for Verstappen, while Ferrari has secured Charles Leclerc on improved terms and Hamilton has confirmed he will race for the Scuderia in 2027.

In Brundle’s view, that leaves Verstappen with very little room to manoeuvre in the near future. He said only Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes are realistic options, but all three appear highly locked into their current driver line-ups for at least 2027 and, in some cases, well beyond.