“It Depends if I’m Happy [At Red Bull]”: Max Verstappen Stirs 2025 Exit Rumors as Badly Soured Relationship With Christian Horner Reaches Tipping Point

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move is believed to have started a chain reaction in the drivers market. With a seat as desirable as Mercedes now being available, almost every driver is eyeing a move to the Silver Arrows. The unrest at Red Bull and rumors of Max Verstappen leaving have further sent the driver market into a frenzy. But will Max Verstappen leave Red Bull? What will it take for him to stay on the team that won him 3 championships?

The Christian Horner investigation has led to chaos at Red Bull. So much so that Helmut Marko, Jos, and Max Verstappen are not happy with the team. Jos Verstappen even suggested that Horner’s staying would lead to the team exploding. And to top it all off, Adrian Newey is rumored to be in talks with Ferrari, with a rumored offer from Aston Martin as well. As for Max Verstappen, rumors suggest that he’s eyeing a move to Mercedes. 

According to the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Ted Kravitz talked about Verstappen being asked whether he will stay at Red Bull or not. 

Ted Kravitz said, “ He [Max Verstappen] had to say this, ‘first of all, it depends on if I want to drive next year’, why would he not, he’s in the best car. And then he said, ‘It depends if I’m happy where I am at and we want to keep it that way’. So I don’t know what that means.  I guess it means if he’s happy staying at Red Bull, he’s on Red Bull on his terms and he’s happy with the situation, then he’ll stay. And if he isn’t, referencing to Marko rumors from few races ago, then he’ll leave.”

Well, all are just speculations for now. However, a report suggested that 90% of the employees at Mercedes want Max Verstappen to fill in the shoes left behind by Lewis Hamilton. It now all depends on Verstappen’s decision because as Toto Wolff said, he’d “love to have Max Verstappen” at Mercedes.

Read More: F1 Rumor: Toto Wolff’s Hypocrisy Exposed as He Offers Ambassador Contract to Max Verstappen After Denying Lewis Hamilton

Another thing that might affect Max Verstappen’s decision is Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull as the Red Bull TP to take control of the Motorsports and the Beverage division. 

Christian Horner rumored to Seize control of Red Bull’s Motorsports and Beverage Division

Many thought that Christian Horner’s position at Red Bull would be impacted after the Investigation. However, on the contrary, it is believed that his authority and position are stronger than ever. And post a meeting with the Thai owners in Dubai, Horner is rumored to be ready to take full control of the Red Bull Motorsport and Beverage division.

The reports suggest, “The Thai majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya is fully behind the plans of team boss Horner, who allegedly wants to take complete power in both the beverage company and the motorsport empire. That support could only be shaken if a civil court finds that Horner behaved inappropriately toward an employee.” (Translated via Google)

What do you think? Will Max Verstappen stay at Red Bull or move to Mercedes?

Read More: Max Verstappen’s Chief Mechanic Quits Amid Christian Horner’s Rumored Red Bull Seizure Attempt