Max Verstappen is currently at a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career, entering a new era with Red Bull that comes with uncertainty, challenges, and potential opportunities. For the first time, Verstappen is facing a Red Bull team without the steady hand of Christian Horner, the team’s long-standing team principal. His departure has sent ripples through the F1 world, with many questioning how this will impact the team’s future, particularly Verstappen’s role and whether he might consider leaving Red Bull for Mercedes starting in 2026.

The Changing Dynamics at Red Bull

Christian Horner’s departure marks a dramatic shift in the power structure at Red Bull. He had been at the helm of the team since its inception in 2005 and was seen as a key figure in the team’s unparalleled success in recent years, including Verstappen’s dominance. Horner’s release from his duties has raised questions about why Red Bull decided to part ways with someone so central to its identity and successes. Some believe this decision was influenced by Verstappen’s requests for more performance from the car, while others speculate that it marks the beginning of a deeper restructuring within the team.

The most probable reason for Horner’s exit could be a response to Verstappen’s growing dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. While the team’s results were impressive on paper, with Verstappen winning 19 out of 23 races in 2023, the Dutch driver was increasingly vocal about the car’s development issues. He expressed concerns that if the team didn’t address these problems soon, they might lose their edge in the future. Even with his continued success, Verstappen felt that the car’s potential was being wasted, and this frustration could be a contributing factor to Horner’s exit.

Max Verstappen’s Demands for Performance

At the heart of the issue is Verstappen’s insatiable drive for performance. As one of the best drivers in F1, with four world championships to his name, Verstappen’s expectations are understandably high. He has consistently asked for more from his car, and Red Bull’s technical team, under the leadership of Pierre Wash and Enrico Balbo, has brought numerous upgrades to the RB21 and last year’s challenger. Yet, none of these changes have been sufficient to meet Verstappen’s demands. Despite the team’s attempts to improve the car, the gap between the expected and actual performance remains vast.

The fact that Verstappen’s team, through his management, has expressed concerns about Red Bull’s ability to meet his performance expectations shows how serious the situation is. In a statement, his team made it clear that while they were aware of Horner’s departure, they were focused solely on achieving more performance, signaling that they are willing to give Red Bull time to resolve the technical shortcomings. However, this lack of immediate improvements could spell trouble for the future of Verstappen’s relationship with the team.

The Impact of Horner’s Departure

The loss of Christian Horner is not just about the absence of a team principal. It marks a deeper issue within Red Bull—a lack of cohesion and clarity in decision-making. Verstappen thrives in environments where there is clear leadership, and a unified vision. Horner was seen as a stabilizing force, but the recent turmoil within Red Bull, including the departure of key personnel, has caused a rift in the team. Verstappen, in particular, could be seeking more stability and fewer distractions from the constant internal drama that has plagued Red Bull in recent times.

Interestingly, there have been reports that Verstappen directly requested that Horner either be replaced or stripped of some of his responsibilities if Red Bull wanted to keep him for the long haul. This hints at just how pivotal Horner’s departure is to the future of Verstappen’s career at Red Bull. The move could be seen as an attempt to keep Verstappen happy and motivated, but if Red Bull cannot deliver the performance he craves, this shift in management may not be enough to secure his future with the team.

Could Verstappen Leave for Mercedes?

The possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes after 2025 is now very much on the table. Mercedes, under the leadership of Toto Wolff, has a very different working environment compared to Red Bull, one that might appeal to Verstappen’s need for stability. Wolff is known for his hands-on leadership style, which contrasts sharply with the internal power struggles that have surfaced within Red Bull. Verstappen, known for his no-nonsense approach, may prefer the clear structure and focus that Mercedes offers.

If Verstappen does make the switch to Mercedes in 2026, it would have huge ramifications for the entire F1 grid. Mercedes, currently in a rebuilding phase, would be able to offer Verstappen the kind of car he has been demanding—one that can compete at the highest level. However, this would likely come at the expense of George Russell, who currently drives for Mercedes. Russell’s contract ends in 2025, and if Mercedes were to make a play for Verstappen, they would have to make tough decisions about who stays and who goes.

Additionally, if Verstappen were to leave Red Bull for Mercedes, it would also signal a massive shift in the competitive balance of Formula 1. Verstappen has already demonstrated that he can win championships with a car that is not the absolute best on the grid, as he did in 2022 with a car that wasn’t quite as dominant as his 2023 machine. Joining Mercedes would solidify his position as one of the best drivers in F1, but it could also spark a rivalry with his former teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who would likely welcome Verstappen to the team with open arms, as he has already made clear. Hamilton, himself, has experience with team instability, having gone through similar challenges when Mercedes introduced their problematic “zeropod” design. His advice to Verstappen would likely be rooted in this shared experience.

The Future of Red Bull and Verstappen

Ultimately, the question of whether Red Bull can provide Verstappen with the stability and performance he seeks remains open. The departure of Christian Horner has created a significant void, and Verstappen’s future at the team hinges on whether they can address the technical shortcomings and create a car that meets his high standards. With the 2026 regulations looming, Red Bull will need to act quickly to ensure that they remain competitive and capable of retaining their star driver.

If Red Bull cannot deliver the performance Verstappen needs, we could see another shake-up on the F1 grid in the near future. Verstappen, who has proven that he can excel even in difficult circumstances, may ultimately decide that his future lies with a team that can provide him with the tools he needs to continue his dominance in the sport.

In conclusion, the next few seasons in F1 will be crucial for both Red Bull and Verstappen. If the team can rise to the occasion and deliver the performance and stability Verstappen demands, they could remain the team to beat. However, if they fail to do so, the prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes in 2026 becomes all the more likely, which would reshape the future of Formula 1 and lead to one of the most fascinating rivalries in the sport’s history.

Full Video: