What are the odds of Max Verstappen leaving his present team? For now, the chances are bleak. There have been rumors of the Dutchman considering Mercedes for 2026. Given his eternal loyalty to Red Bull, no one can guarantee what will happen. Moreover, Verstappen is on a good roll with the Austrian org, so is there even a possibility that he’d leave? Many insiders and experts strongly believe that 2026 would witness Max in a new team gear.

Of course, the current situation within Red Bull has stirred up tension in the F1 community. And it has for sure disturbed the Verstappen household. We have already seen Jos Verstappen take a sharp hit at Christian Horner. With Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley’s exit, the team stands on soft ground. Max doesn’t wish to stray away from his loyalty to Red Bull. Verstappen recently provided a cryptic update about his potential switch in the future.

Moreover, he’s weighing the risks of leaving his current team, where he’s had significant success, against the potential benefits of joining a new team. The 3x champ told Formula.hu: “I think the most important thing is that you shouldn’t make decisions based on emotions, because that always backfires. I’m a patient person myself, I don’t worry too much about things. Of course, it means a lot and I appreciate that my relationship with the team goes back a long way. Loyalty is very important and I don’t think it’s always there in F1.”

The ‘Flying Dutchman’ emphasizes greatly on loyalty. He says his patience is moving him ahead with the team and that he doesn’t have to worry about his future. That’s the case for now. But as most experts have pointed out, ‘Max the Axe’ could leave Red Bull if the cars don’t improve. And given their last 5 races, the team hasn’t been dominant. Could Max be hiding his true intentions?

Amidst Max Verstappen’s allegiance, Red Bull fears his departure

Red Bull knows better than anyone what happens when a world champion leaves the team. Following Sebastian Vettel’s exit in the 2015 season, Christian Horner and Co. found it difficult to find their ground. Since then it was a tough six years to get back to the top spot. Max Verstappen is their trump card and losing him isn’t the option. Despite Verstappen’s prolonged contract, the looming fear of him leaving persists.

He admitted to Formula.hu, “I try to optimize every weekend because if I have a good car, it makes my life also a little bit easier, and probably also makes the team’s life easier.” The Dutchman has been giving his best in every race and continues to lead the driver’s championship. However, his team is under threat by McLaren who are just 42 points away on the Constructor’s list. We’ve already witnessed Verstappen’s raging meltdown in Hungary and Red Bull’s internal problems persist. Could these become the reasons for Max to leave? It’s hard to tell.

For now, one thing is confirmed: ‘Flying Dutchman’ isn’t leaving the Milton Keynes base for Mercedes. Although, he is analyzing Toto Wolff’s team and maybe 2026 could see him beside George Russell. However, these are speculations that keep building as the rumor mills work 24/7 relentlessly. We have to remember, that the second phase of the ‘silly’ season is yet to unfold, and who knows, Verstappen could come back more fierce and improved.

What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments.