Max Verstappen predicted to leave Red Bull if Christian Horner makes ‘incredible’ off-track decision

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Max Verstappen’s future is one of the most widely talked about subjects in the Formula 1 paddock.

Only a handful of drivers are signed up to longer contracts than Max Verstappen, but that hasn’t stopped him from being linked with a Red Bull exit.

Verstappen’s current contract runs until the end of 2028, and team principal Christian Horner will be desperate for the 27-year-old to honour that agreement.

However, Verstappen does have a get-out clause that could be activated very soon if results go against the four-time world champion.

Red Bull’s superiority on the grid started to disappear at this stage last season, and he did superbly to hang on in the drivers’ championship with the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc chasing him down.

Winning a fifth straight title this year is looking increasingly difficult, but that hasn’t diminished his love for all forms of racing.

Verstappen has benefited from the creation of his alter ego Franz Hermann, both in terms of trying to stay incognito at other race meets, but also because it’s allowed him to sell a new line of merchandise.

Now, David Schumacher, son of Ralf Schumacher and GT star, believes that Verstappen could seek a Red Bull exit if his love for other racing series isn’t allowed to flourish.

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

Red Bull told to allow Max Verstappen to take part in 24-hour races to avoid early contract exit

The younger Schumacher, who races in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, was being interviewed on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast.

He was asked if he could see Verstappen leaving Red Bull to join a rival team like Mercedes or Aston Martin and said: “I can imagine that if Red Bull doesn’t allow him to do anything GT-wise, he’ll say, ‘OK, I’ll go somewhere else that will allow me to do it.’

“And that’s something that I can understand, too.

“Max has incredible fun with what he does, especially with GT Sport. He seems to be having a lot of fun, and I’m pretty sure that in two years at the latest, or even next year, we’ll see him at 24-hour races at the Nordschleife and Spa.”

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Max Verstappen considering his options amid Red Bull drop off

It may seem harsh to suggest that Red Bull have dropped off considering Verstappen has won two Grand Prix this season and is still within touching distance of both McLarens in the championship.

However, considering he won 19 races in 2023, it’s safe to say that Red Bull’s rivals have done remarkable work to not only bridge the gap but overtake them in the development race.

Verstappen has ruled out joining Aston Martin next season despite the arrival of Adrian Newey and Honda at the team.

However, Red Bull are worried Verstappen is considering a move to Mercedes, with team principal Toto Wolff holding off on handing George Russell a new contract.

Wolff may be more willing to allow the 27-year-old to race outside of Formula 1, as Helmut Marko has ruled out Verstappen driving in GT3 races.

McLaren allowed Fernando Alonso to compete in the Indy 500 to keep him onside during a particularly tough period for the team.

If Red Bull’s 2026 car isn’t up to scratch, it might be the best way for Horner to placate his star driver.