Max Verstappen exploring options with Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes as Red Bull exit rumors persist

Max Verstappen is reportedly 'speaking' with Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes as speculation over his Red Bull future intensifies. The four-time world champion is only seventh in the drivers' standings after four rounds, with Red Bull languishing fourth in the constructors' championship. His contract runs to 2028 but includes performance-based exit clauses that could allow an early departure.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential exit would reshape the F1 driver market. With top teams like Ferrari already reshuffling for Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman's availability could trigger a chain reaction. Red Bull's current slump raises questions about its ability to retain the sport's most dominant driver.

The details:

• Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner told casino.org that Verstappen's options are limited to three teams: Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.
• Exit clause: Verstappen's contract reportedly allows him to leave if he is outside the top two at the summer break. He currently sits seventh.
• Ferrari: Already replaced Carlos Sainz with Hamilton, showing willingness to move drivers for 'generational talent,' per Steiner.
• McLaren: Verstappen's long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join Woking as chief racing officer by 2028, adding intrigue.
• Mercedes: Close ties with team principal Toto Wolff have fueled past speculation, though links have cooled recently.

Steiner likened Verstappen's situation to Ferrari's decision to drop Sainz for Hamilton, suggesting teams will make room for the four-time champion.

What's next:

The summer break is a key deadline. If Verstappen is outside the top two in the standings, his exit clause activates. He and his management are likely evaluating long-term prospects. Red Bull's performance bounce-back could change the calculus, but early struggles have put the team under pressure.

The big question: Which team is willing to disrupt its current lineup to sign Verstappen? Steiner believes all three are possible, but none are focused solely on him yet.