What Jos and Max Verstappen are concerned about at Red Bull that could lead to Mercedes move

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Max Verstappen’s future is always a hot topic in Formula 1 despite the fact he has one of the longest and most secure contracts on the grid.

Plenty of his rivals in the paddock race from year to year not knowing whether they’ll still be in F1 the following season.

However, Max Verstappen has driven at such a high level ever since he was promoted to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso that he’s been tipped to be Red Bull’s talisman ever since.

More than 60 race wins and three world championships later, Verstappen is arguably the most desirable driver on the grid.

That’s why Mercedes have been making noises about trying to sign Verstappen ever since they discovered that Lewis Hamilton would be joining Ferrari.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is a huge fan of Verstappen’s and before he made his F1 debut he was interested in signing him.

Covering the situation for BBC Sport, journalist Andrew Benson has shared more details about Verstappen’s situation.

One of the most influential people in Max’s life is his father Jos who can frequently be seen in the Red Bull garage.

Jos Verstappen had a decent F1 career of his own but Max has gone several levels above that already.

However, they both know that nothing lasts forever in Formula 1 which is why they’re not completely against a move away from Red Bull in the future.

Max’s decision will be made purely on performance, but Jos’s relationship with senior Red Bull figures, particularly Christian Horner, is strained to say the least.

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

Jos and Max Verstappen looking at Mercedes move over potential Red Bull fear

Talking about a potential move away for Verstappen from his current team, Benson said: “Why might Verstappen leave Red Bull?

“One reason is to do with the 2026 engine regulations. These introduce entirely new power units, and Red Bull have set up their own engine company to produce theirs, with backing from Ford.

“The Verstappens – Max and his father Jos – are concerned it will not be a match for the Mercedes engine. If they feel from their fact-finding that the Mercedes will have a significant advantage, they will seek to move teams.”

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

Red Bull contract clauses could play key role in Max Verstappen’s future

The Red Bull Powertrains project has been a big talking point in the paddock for some time.

Given Red Bull’s established place as one of F1’s strongest teams, the change to developing their own engines with Ford suddenly throws a layer of doubt into the mix that won’t be to Verstappen’s liking.

Martin Brundle has shared what he saw when he visited Red Bull’s facilities to see the development of the new power unit and that may encourage Verstappen.

However, he’ll also be making sure that despite his contract running for at least four more years, he can get out should results start to suffer.

Helmut Marko’s new contract blocks off one potential avenue for Verstappen to leave Red Bull with their futures previously tied together.

However, Verstappen has clauses in his contract that would allow him to leave should the team fall below expectations.

Considering the way he was talking about Red Bull during and after the Hungarian Grand Prix, it wouldn’t take much to upset him to the point where he might be considering his future.