Is Verstappen leaving Red Bull Racing? Here's the real story

According to the Spanish magazine, Verstappen is still exploring if he can leave Red Bull Racing. Where to, however, is the big question. Marca also suggests that Mercedes could continue on with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, thus saving themslves a lot of money.

The Aston Martin option is also discussed by the Spanish newspaper, but that too would not be feasible in 2026. The journal also states that it is said that the personality of Lawrence Stroll would not suit Verstappen. A source for this statement is missing.

All in all, according to Marca, Verstappen would want to leave, but a serious alternative does not exist. Verstappen has also repeatedly stated that he will remain active in Formula 1 until at least 2028, so a sabbatical is not an option. What then?

GPblog broke the story at the end of May that Verstappen will remain loyal to Red Bull Racing. GPblog learned then that the Verstappen camp had decided: there was no better alternative for 2026, and so Verstappen simply stays with Red Bull Racing.

There are still doubts about the Red Bull Powertrains project, but no one really knows how it will fare for 2026. Verstappen could now take the gamble to go to Mercedes, but do the Germans really have the best engine? That is something no one can say at the moment, which is the reason why Verstappen stays put.

Aston Martin is not a serious option for Verstappen either. The Verstappen camp does not have too much confidence in the Aston Martin project and especially does not think that the team will be there by 2026. It will take time to transform that team into a successful outfit like Red Bull Racing.

The last option is Ferrari, but there is simply no place for 2026. Lewis Hamilton still has a contract for next season. Only when Hamilton's contract ends at the end of 2026 could Verstappen come into the picture for the Scuderia. At the moment, however, that is not the case.