Max Verstappen and Red Bull told they will ‘both end up as losers’ if Dutchman’s exit saga drags on

Follow us on Google Discover

F1 pundit Christijan Albers has explained why Max Verstappen and Red Bull will “both end up as losers” if the debacle surrounding the four-time world champion’s future continues to be a main talking point during the 2026 term.

Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 has been shrouded in mystery ever since his qualms with the 2026 ruleset came to light in pre-season. On top of a switch to another team, the Dutchman has even been linked with an exit from the sport altogether.

Mercedes has remained interested in the 28-year-old’s services, but it recently emerged that McLaren may have opened preliminary talks with Verstappen about potentially replacing an unhappy Oscar Piastri at the Woking-based outfit.

As such, a continuation of Verstappen’s indecisiveness could have a detrimental effect on both Red Bull and the Dutchman himself, as highlighted by former F1 driver Christijan Albers.

• READ MORE: Mark Webber reacts to rumours that Oscar Piastri could swap seats with Max Verstappen

Both Max Verstappen and Red Bull need to make a decision amid ongoing exit saga

Speaking via De Telegraaf’s Formula 1 podcast, Albers outlined how a continuation of uncertainty at the Milton Keynes-based team isn’t good for either party.

“If they both carry on like this, they’ll both end up as losers, and that’s the dangerous part,” the Dutchman told his co-host and F1 journalist, Erik van Haren. “When will that tipping point come?

Where would Max Verstappen and Lando Norris rank among McLaren’s greatest line-ups?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“On the one hand, Verstappen has to make his decision. That’s obviously important, especially if you want to attract good people. On the other hand, the same applies to Red Bull. Naturally, you want to remain world champions.

“But, at some point, the time will come when that decision has to be made, and that includes Verstappen, too. With all due respect, where are you heading?”

Albers then highlighted how he believes McLaren would be the best destination for Verstappen if he were to leave the team with which he won all four of his drivers’ championships between 2021 and 2024.

“We’ve discussed this before, I see McLaren,” he said, before jokingly adding, “They’ve got a fantastic team, but they’re still stuck with an engine that Toto Wolff can look down on from his balcony.”

• READ MORE: Zak Brown makes strange ‘banana peel’ comment about Max Verstappen to McLaren rumours

‘Friction’ is evident between Max Verstappen and Red Bull

Van Haren then theorised on Verstappen’s current race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, potentially pushing his driver to follow him to Woking when he makes the move in 2028.

Lambiase is the latest of several Red Bull figures to make a switch to McLaren, following Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay’s moves over the last 18 months. The transfers have reportedly renewed tensions between Red Bull and McLaren.

“You can bet that GP is certainly pushing Max hard on maybe McLaren might be something for you too,” the journalist said. “And at Red Bull, of course, you have to wonder what the impact will be of all those departures. Paul Monaghan has now been mentioned as leaving.

“What impact will that have? Of course, at Red Bull, the major shareholders would love for Verstappen to say right now, ‘I’m staying.’ It’s just that he’s got time – it’s in his contract.

“That’s where there’s a bit of friction, of course. But you can’t blame Verstappen for that, because they agreed on that contract together back then.”