What ‘some experts’ in the F1 paddock are now saying about Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future after Christian Horner exit

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Red Bull have sacked team principal Christian Horner amid speculation that Max Verstappen could leave the team.

Having won four drivers’ titles and two constructors’ championships with Red Bull in the 2020s, Verstappen has been growing frustrated with the team in recent months over their dramatic regression in performance.

Red Bull have gone from winning all but one race in 2023 to being 288 points behind McLaren halfway through 2025. This drop-off has prompted the Dutchman to call for drastic change, with Verstappen calling for Horner to be replaced.

On Wednesday, the 27-year-old got his wish as Red Bull parted ways with Horner after 20 years in charge. Verstappen sent an emotional message to Horner on social media; he has been instrumental in his F1 career, having promoted him to the main team in 2016.

Horner’s exit comes amid speculation that Red Bull’s star driver could be on the way out. Verstappen was bombarded by questions at Silverstone after it was confirmed by George Russell and Toto Wolff that he had been in talks with Mercedes.

‘Some experts’ in the F1 paddock believe Red Bull are ‘too late’ to keep Max Verstappen

Verstappen has a contract until 2028, but he has a get-out clause in the deal, the terms of which are disputed. The feeling is that he can activate an early exit if he is not in the top three of the championship.

Currently sitting third, 69 points behind Oscar Piastri, the Dutchman has constantly stated that he is no longer in the title fight this season. Verstappen has scored fewer points in the last four races than Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg, with Russell just 18 points behind in fourth.

Verstappen had a ‘final standoff’ with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff as he demanded Horner be sacked. After getting the change he and his camp wanted, many have debated whether this means he will commit his future to the Milton Keynes outfit.

In a report from F1-Insider, opinions are conflicting. ‘Some experts’ within the ‘exclusive circle’ of F1 believe that Red Bull are ‘too late’ to keep Verstappen and that his mind is set on leaving.

But others say that they are ‘just in time’ and have done enough to see the Dutchman honour his contract. Whatever the case, Verstappen is not expected to move until 2027, as he wants to see where the teams stack up next season with the 2026 F1 regulations.

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Where Max Verstappen is set to be in 2026 after Christian Horner’s exit

F1 fans believe Verstappen is the next to leave Red Bull after Horner’s sacking. The mood within Verstappen’s camp is not good about the team heading into 2026, as they doubt he can be competitive with their power unit.

Verstappen has allegedly ‘said yes’ to Mercedes, although it is not clear as to what he has agreed on, if anything at all. The Silver Arrows are yet to give Russell and Kimi Antonelli new contracts for 2025, with Wolff preferring Antonelli to be Verstappen’s teammate if he signs him.

Martin Brundle thinks Verstappen will stay at Red Bull in 2026. It would be a huge risk for the Dutchman to leave as the new regulations are coming into effect, as no one knows where they stand in the pecking order.

It has now been reported that Verstappen is ready to commit to his Red Bull contract and stay until 2028. Horner’s departure may have done enough to keep him on board, but others seem to believe the 27-year-old is already out the door.