AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Formula 1
      • STANDINGS
    • Formula E
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Formula 1
      • STANDINGS
    • Formula E
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Doornbos Drops Bombshell: Max Verstappen Could Exit Red Bull After 2025

Redação by Redação
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Max Verstappen Faces Costly Grid Penalty at Brazilian GP – Can He Pull Off a Comeback?

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing waves to the crowd on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 27, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410270542 // Usage for editorial use only //

The clock might be ticking on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull era, according to former Dutch racing driver Robert Doornbos. The four-time Formula 1 world champion, who has been the face of Red Bull’s dominance since 2016, could be eyeing the exit door as early as 2026.

A 2026 Shake-Up in the Making?

Despite being contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, Verstappen’s future with the Milton Keynes-based team has been a hot topic of speculation. Recent murmurs suggested an exit clause in his contract could pave the way for a shocking switch to Mercedes. The Silver Arrows, who have openly admired Verstappen’s prowess, are reportedly keen on acquiring his services as they prepare for the major regulatory changes set for 2026.

Doornbos, who raced for Red Bull in 2006, offered a bold prediction about Verstappen’s future. Speaking candidly, the Dutchman cast doubt on Red Bull’s ability to keep their star driver beyond the 2025 season.

“It will be difficult for Christian [Horner] to keep Max on board,” Doornbos stated. “Did you expect him to say something different after winning a fourth world title? Believe me now: in 2026, he won’t be there.”

Why Leave a Winning Formula?

Doornbos pointed to Verstappen’s potential interest in seeking new challenges or joining a team with an edge in the upcoming 2026 regulations. He recalled how Mercedes dominated the Turbo Hybrid era primarily due to their unrivaled power unit, despite not always boasting the best aerodynamic or mechanical package.

“Lewis Hamilton didn’t have the best car aerodynamically and mechanically for seven years at Mercedes,” Doornbos noted. “They had a cannon of an engine. I think you need that in 2026.”

The allure of replicating Mercedes’ unparalleled success in the hybrid era could be a tempting prospect for Verstappen, especially if Red Bull struggles to adapt to the sport’s sweeping changes.

Retirement on the Horizon?

While a move to Mercedes could reshape the grid, Verstappen has also hinted at an entirely different path: retirement. The 27-year-old recently voiced his desire to prioritize family life over extending his F1 legacy indefinitely.

“There are moments when I think, ‘How much longer do I want to do this?’” Verstappen admitted earlier this season. “I want to enjoy life outside the paddock too.”

What’s Next for Max?

For now, Verstappen’s focus remains on extending his dominance with Red Bull. But as the 2026 regulations loom, Doornbos’ comments have added fuel to the fire of speculation about a seismic shift in the F1 landscape. Whether it’s a move to Mercedes, retirement, or continuing his reign at Red Bull, Verstappen’s next steps will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport.

If Doornbos’ prediction proves accurate, the Verstappen era at Red Bull might be nearing its twilight—setting the stage for a dramatic reshuffle at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Share278Tweet174Send

Related Posts

Franco Colapinto Challenges Alpine: Demands More Than a Measly Five-Race Contract
Motorsports

Franco Colapinto Challenges Alpine: Demands More Than a Measly Five-Race Contract

Young Racing Sensation Franco Colapinto Demands More Than a Five-Race Deal in F1 Debut In a bold move that has...

by David Castro
May 15, 2025
Hamilton Eyes Redemption at Imola: ‘The Car Has More to Give’
Motorsports

Hamilton Eyes Redemption at Imola: ‘The Car Has More to Give’

After a frustrating outing in Miami, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is setting his sights on redemption at...

by Harry Stone
May 15, 2025
Piastri Warns: Imola Challenge to Shake F1 Leader’s Dominance in Chilling Showdown
Motorsports

Piastri Warns: Imola Challenge to Shake F1 Leader’s Dominance in Chilling Showdown

Rising Star Piastri Anticipates Fierce Competition at Imola Grand Prix As the Imola Grand Prix draws near, all eyes are...

by Harry Stone
May 15, 2025
Dramatic FIA Swearing Ban U-Turn Sparks George Russell’s Outrage – Latest Updates
Motorsports

Dramatic FIA Swearing Ban U-Turn Sparks George Russell’s Outrage – Latest Updates

Formula 1 Driver Slams FIA Over Reversal of Swearing Ban In a shocking turn of events, Formula 1 driver George...

by David Castro
May 15, 2025

Recent News

Nissan defende que o Japão acelere negociações comerciais com os EUA

Nissan advocates for Japan to accelerate trade negotiations with the U.S.

May 15, 2025
Franco Colapinto Challenges Alpine: Demands More Than a Measly Five-Race Contract

Franco Colapinto Challenges Alpine: Demands More Than a Measly Five-Race Contract

May 15, 2025
Hamilton Eyes Redemption at Imola: ‘The Car Has More to Give’

Hamilton Eyes Redemption at Imola: ‘The Car Has More to Give’

May 15, 2025
Piastri Warns: Imola Challenge to Shake F1 Leader’s Dominance in Chilling Showdown

Piastri Warns: Imola Challenge to Shake F1 Leader’s Dominance in Chilling Showdown

May 15, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Formula 1
      • STANDINGS
    • Formula E
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks
x