Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is in doubt for the 2026 F1 season as rumours swirl about talks with Mercedes.

Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but that has not stopped speculation that the Dutchman could leave the team before his deal expires. Verstappen has a get-out clause in his contract, leaving the Milton Keynes outfit on edge about their star driver’s future.

The four-time champion is currently third, but is 43 points behind Oscar Piastri as the RB21 does not look to be a machine that can challenge for the title. Reports have suggested that Verstappen can activate his exit clause if he is outside the top three in the standings.

However, it has now emerged that Verstappen can leave if he is not in the top two of the standings. He can activate the clause after the Austrian Grand Prix, where it has been revealed by Toto Wolff that discussions are ongoing for the future.

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Max Verstappen’s camp think he could be in for a ‘painful’ year with Red Bull in 2026

Verstappen has continued to exceed expectations and put his RB21 into strong positions, winning two races and grabbing five podiums. But the Dutchman has been frustrated by the car’s development throughout the season, constantly calling for upgrades.

Red Bull will become an engine supplier next season in collaboration with Ford as they hope to return to the front of the grid under the 2026 F1 regulations. However, there are doubts surrounding the competitiveness of the power unit.

Those concerns are even coming from Verstappen’s camp. Speaking via F1-Insider, journalist Ralf Bach says they are ‘well aware’ that it could be a ‘painful’ year for the Dutchman in 2026 with Red Bull.

“That is still very much possible in Formula 1. Aston Martin is interested in him, that’s no secret,” said Bach.

“But I think the love is a bit more one-sided at the moment because I think, for whatever reason, the Verstappen camp does not think he’s capable of making the big step next year at least, and it’s more of a question of waiting a year to see how things develop with the new rules and the new engines.

“But they are well aware that it could be a really long, painful year if things don’t work out for Red Bull, which is what they are expecting, and that Mercedes is actually the safest option to have a car that will make you the most competitive of all the teams you could possibly have.”

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Mercedes are ‘desperately’ targeting Max Verstappen as several teams eye his signature

As Bach mentioned, Aston Martin are another team interested in signing the Red Bull driver. However, Verstappen has ruled out a move to Aston Martin in 2026.

While they did have a good professional relationship, Verstappen and Adrian Newey were not the ‘closest of companions’ at Red Bull. It may explain why the 27-year-old has decided not to join Aston Martin, with the legendary engineer spearheading their project with Honda in 2026.

With the Silverstone outfit seemingly out of the running, Mercedes are ‘desperately’ trying to attract Verstappen to Brackley. The team have been eyeing the four-time champion since last season, but now seem poised to make their move.

Red Bull will be desperate to ensure that their star driver honours his contract. But they must give Verstappen confidence that he will have a competitive car if they are to keep hold of him.