Max Verstappen tipped for Red Bull exit as Mercedes and F1 rival eye swoop

Max Verstappen has won four consecutive Formula 1 world titles at Red Bull, but former steward Johnny Herbert believes he could leave soon with Aston Martin and Mercedes interested

Max Verstappen has been tipped to quit Red Bull for Aston Martin amid concerns over their new engine project, while Mercedes could also make a stunning move for the reigning world champion.

Verstappen is one of just six drivers to have won four world titles during his career, having largely dominated the sport since narrowly and controversially beating Lewis Hamilton to win his first world championship in 2021.

However, former F1 steward Johnny Herbert has claimed Red Bull are experiencing “struggles with the new Ford engine project” that is due to be used from next season and he believes that could persuade Verstappen to jump ship.

“There’s always potential for Verstappen to reunite with Honda at Aston Martin,” Herbert told PokerFirma. “The rumours are out there. It wouldn’t surprise me that he’s going to be looking at the future and what’s going to be happening in 2026 and beyond.

“That will influence what decision he makes. I keep hearing through the rumour mill that there are struggles with the new Ford engine project at Red Bull. And normally these rumours have substance. But we won’t know until we actually get on the track.

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“Now from Max’s point of view, that’s very different because I’m sure he will be very aware of what is going on, what is going well and what is not going so well.

“When he sees what is not going well, will that force him into jumping ship? The jumping ship rumours are on the cards.”

Although Herbert believes Aston Martin would be the “obvious” move for Verstappen to make, he claims that Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has also been “courting” the Dutchman for a long time.

“Aston Martin is an obvious candidate for Verstappen,” Herbert explained. “But I know Toto has been courting him quietly and for a long while. I think any early negotiations would have been with Mercedes rather than Aston Martin.

“But there is that relationship obviously with Adrian Newey, who knows how much Lawrence Stroll wants to win and who will know if they have, they got the right power unit with Honda for 2026.

“But the rumour mill is very much that Mercedes is the best option. But is that quick enough for next year? That is what drivers are looking at, how quickly a team can get them into a car that will give them that first, second, third or fourth World Championship.

“It’ll be fascinating to see exactly what happens. Nut Max is the man who has all the cards, all the knowledge and all the understanding of what’s happening and where he’s at the present time.

“He has all the aces. He’s just got to choose which one he goes for. Who wouldn’t want him?”