Verstappen exit talk intensifies as Red Bull struggles continue

While Verstappen is tied to Red Bull through 2028, sources close to the situation suggest that a prolonged struggle to compete for wins would trigger a reassessment of his future. The Dutchman is said to prize winning over records, and his patience is not endless.

Why it matters:

Verstappen has won four consecutive drivers' championships, but 2026 has been a steep battle against McLaren and Mercedes. If Red Bull cannot correct the RB22's handling deficiencies and horsepower gap quickly, the risk of losing its marquee asset rises significantly. Losing Verstappen would redefine the driver market and Red Bull's competitive trajectory for years.

The Details:

• Verstappen's stance: The four-time champion has repeatedly stated that his commitment is to winning, not chasing statistical milestones. He is reportedly prepared to walk away if Red Bull cannot provide a car capable of fighting for titles.
• Team struggles: Red Bull slid to the third-fastest team in 2026, struggling with the RB22's aerodynamic balance and an engine that has yet to match rivals.
• Helmut Marko's take: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says the team must find improvements "quickly" and believes Verstappen may consider leaving if the car is not fixed.
• Audi interest: Sauber's Mattia Binotto has made no secret of his desire to recruit Verstappen for Audi's 2028 works entry, adding external pressure.
• Ted Kravitz's view: Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz suggests Verstappen may not even see out the 2026 season if results do not improve, accelerating the timeline.

What's next:

The upcoming triple-header of races will be critical for Red Bull to prove its development direction is working. If Max continues to fight the car's limitations rather than rival drivers, the speculation around his future will intensify well before the summer break.