Max Verstappen did something at the Austrian Grand Prix that suggests he’s already said ‘goodbye’ to Red Bull

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Max Verstappen’s legion of fans were left disappointed at the Austrian Grand Prix as many of them didn’t get to see the Dutchman in action on Sunday.

Unless you were sat in view of the first three corners, you wouldn’t have seen Max Verstappen take part in the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Red Bull Racing driver started the race from seventh, putting him in danger of being caught up in any mistakes made by his rivals on the opening lap.

That’s exactly what happened when Andrea Kimi Antonelli outbraked himself, dove down the inside to avoid Liam Lawson and collided with Verstappen in the process.

It was the first time Verstappen failed to score points this season, and has brought his future into sharp focus.

Mercedes have been heavily linked with signing Verstappen, and racing driver and pundit Jeroen Bleekemolen believes he spotted something at the Red Bull Ring that suggests he might have already said ‘goodbye’ to the team that has helped him win four drivers’ championships.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Why Max Verstappen might have already said ‘goodbye’ to Red Bull at the Austrian Grand Prix

Bleekemolen was reflecting on the Austrian Grand Prix for Formule1.nl, and talking about the 27-year-old’s future, he explained: “Let’s start at the beginning: Max Verstappen’s retirement. He was torpedoed by Kimi Antonelli in turn three of the Austrian Grand Prix yesterday. I particularly liked the way Max reacted.

“Max was very calm, waving to the fans in the stands for a while. In all honesty, I have never seen him so relaxed after a crash.

“It was almost as if he no longer cared. I would venture the proposition here that Max has already said a bit of goodbye to Red Bull Racing.

“In the days before the race, speculation about Max Verstappen’s sporting future had been rife.

“George Russell indicated that his team boss, Toto Wolff, had spoken to Max. To be honest, I can see Max’s switch to Mercedes happening as well.

“Of course, a race like yesterday’s in Austria doesn’t help. And Toto is playing the whole game very cleverly. He maintains a good relationship with Max and knows he has to be friends with Jos as well.

“Also important, of course, is how the development of the cars for next year – with the new regulations – stands.

“That is something the Verstappen camp will be watching closely. If you want to lay claim to Max as a team, you will have to have a good sales manager.

“If he had already made a choice for next season, which could just be the case, then in a situation like yesterday, you naturally shrug your shoulders a bit faster. After all, you move on anyway.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

What knock-on effects could Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull have on Formula 1?

Last season the Formula 1 driver market was blown wide open by Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari.

Verstappen deciding to leave Red Bull is unlikely to have a similar impact given how many drivers have already put pen to paper on contracts for 2026.

However, Mercedes are likely to drop George Russell to make room for Verstappen if a deal is completed, making one of the sport’s most talented drivers a free agent.

Russell has been linked with Aston Martin, and that would put either Lance Stroll or Fernando Alonso on the market.

That domino effect is what makes the driver market so exciting, but also explains why drivers are so keen to sign long-term contracts and not let their deals run down.