Rumors about Formula 1 star: Ralf Schumacher expects Verstappen to leave Red Bull

Verstappen won the World Cup four times. But now the 28-year-old Dutchman is no longer fighting for the top positions with Red Bull. Most recently, he complained loudly about his company car at Silverstone last weekend. Verstappen found the journeys in his car “painful, frustrating.” “I’m looking forward to coming home and not thinking about Formula 1.” A defect in the rear caused his retirement a few laps before the end of the British Grand Prix.

The ominous clause

Verstappen comes from the Red Bull youth team. In 2014 he made his Formula 1 debut for the then sister team Toro Rosso, and in 2016 he was promoted to Red Bull. He actually still has a contract until the end of 2028.

A clause with the supposed deadline of July 1st is supposed to allow him to leave early if he is not among the best two drivers in the world championship standings. However, Verstappen is currently only seventh, 103 points behind Mercedes leader Kimi Antonelli.

According to British media, the 71-time Grand Prix winner and McLaren are said to have become closer. Mercedes is also repeatedly mentioned as an interested party. Both McLaren (world champions Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri) and Mercedes (Antonelli and George Russell) have recently assured that they will continue to plan with their current driver pairings.