Formula One commentator Martin Brundle has predicted that four-time world champion Max Verstappen will eventually leave Red Bull Racing for a new challenge.
The prediction came after a frustrating British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, where Verstappen suffered a rear-wing failure while fighting for a podium position.
The retirement followed ongoing friction regarding technical decisions, as the team reportedly declined Verstappen's requests to alter his car setup and change his power unit after qualifying.
Brundle compared the situation to Lewis Hamilton's career-altering move to Ferrari, suggesting a similar transition is inevitable for the Dutch driver.
"I think if Max gets the chance to leave, he will do so at some point," said Brundle.
Brundle noted that while Verstappen's contract runs through 2028, a performance clause could allow him to exit earlier if he drops out of the top two in the world championship by the summer break.
However, the commentator highlighted that potential landing spots remain severely limited for the next few seasons.
"Whether that is in 2027 or 2028, he will want to try something new. We see that more often with drivers.
Look at Lewis, for example, who chose a new challenge after a long period with one team and thus made a fresh start," said Brundle.
The British broadcaster further observed that top tier operations like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes appear committed to their current driver lineups through at least 2027, minimizing Verstappen's immediate alternatives.
"Max has had confidence in the new Red Bull power unit and that has proven to be a good decision.
But the problem is that there are really only three teams he could go to: Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.
And they all seem to be sticking to their current drivers for at least 2027, and probably even longer," said Brundle.
Brundle also criticized past management disruptions at Red Bull, linking previous departures of key personnel like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley to internal pressures from the driver's camp.
"My goodness, they wanted to torpedo the leadership of Red Bull, didn't they? Team Verstappen did that particularly well," said Brundle.
Jos Verstappen fiercely rejected the broadcaster's analysis regarding their influence on the team's management via a social media post.
"Another idiot who thinks he knows what's going on," wrote Jos Verstappen.
Amid the growing speculation, Max Verstappen has refrained from making a definitive commitment regarding his long-term future, though he clarified he will remain on the grid.
"I'm not in a hurry, am I? I would prefer to stay connected to Red Bull for my whole life, I've always said that.
But that decision doesn't have to be made today or tomorrow," said Max Verstappen.
