Verstappen and Red Bull: the slight cracks begin pointing to inevitable outcome

The Verstappen’s camp began the weekend with optimism. On Thursday, the Dutchman already hinted that with the upcoming rule changes there is a strong chance he will still be active in Formula 1 in 2027, after which the four-time world champion told De Telegraaf that he would officially stay in Formula 1 in 2027.

His desire, however, is not a given. Verstappen openly voiced his doubts about his future in the sport once again on Saturday. Now that there is uncertainty about whether the engine regulation changes will come into effect in 2027 or 2028, he expressed his concerns.

But that Verstappen will simply be in action in 2027 seems almost certain. With which team, however, is a big question mark. Especially after qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, the Dutchman was blunt. He said the team hadn’t listened to him regarding the setup despite feeling that it won't work. ‘I told you so,’ was the gist of Verstappen’s Saturday interview.

On Sunday after the race, the mood was a lot more positive. Verstappen had fought at the front, had a fun battle with Lewis Hamilton, and took his first podium of the season. There was reason to smile again, but only cautiously. The reality was that the podium also happened due to Russell’s DNF and McLaren’s strategy gamble. Red Bull remains the fourth team on the grid.

Verstappen’s criticism had also reached Mekies, but he stated that they deliberately want to keep taking these kinds of risks. Better to take strategic risks and hope it works out than blindly rely on the star driver. Mekies may not have drawn the lesson Verstappen had hoped for.

Although the criticism of Red Bull was briefly pushed aside after the podium, Verstappen’s will remain sharp. For several years now, Verstappen has been rumored to exit Red Bull, but so far, he has always stayed. In 2024 he already held talks with Mercedes, in 2025 he did so again, and in 2026 there are said to have been discussions with other teams as well. A change has been in the air.

It feels somewhat inevitable. A pattern you also saw before, as big names like Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), and Fernando Alonso (Renault) left their great loves. The driver increasingly criticizes the team, while the team seems increasingly unwilling to be dependent on the star. You can almost sense a change looming.

That Verstappen could leave seems a given. He still has a contract through 2028, but the chance of him finishing in the top two is not great, and with that his clause could be triggered.

It’s becoming a sort of “so you think you can get Max” up to the summer break. Which team will show that it understands the current rule book the best and develop the car in the right direction? Will that still be Red Bull Racing with Pierre Waché, or will another team sell their project to Verstappen? All signs point to the Dutchman not being in blue in 2027, but rather dressed in silver, orange, or red.