As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is shrouded in uncertainty.
Despite his continued dominance on the track, recent struggles have sparked rumors that the Dutch driver might be considering leaving the team ahead of the 2028 season.
Verstappen, however, has downplayed these speculations, insisting that he feels “relaxed” and content where he is for now.
Still, whispers about his future refuse to die down, and it seems the F1 world is eager to see where the four-time world champion will land in the coming years.
James Vowles Weighs In on Verstappen’s Potential Move to Mercedes
While the speculation about Verstappen’s future swirls, Williams team principal James Vowles shared his opinion on the possibility of the Dutchman joining Mercedes.
Speaking out on the topic, Vowles was blunt, saying that while Verstappen undeniably brings exceptional performance to the table, he also has “a lot of downsides” that could make him a poor fit for Mercedes’ current driver line-up.
Vowles, who previously worked at Mercedes as the motorsport strategy director, backed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as the ideal pairing for the Silver Arrows.
“I don’t think Verstappen would fit in with the culture at Mercedes,” Vowles explained.
“They’ve got two drivers who are performing at the peak of the car, with one on the rise. That’s the direction Mercedes should continue with.”
Russell and Antonelli: The Future of Mercedes
Russell, whose contract is set to expire at the end of this season, has been performing consistently well and remains a reliable figure for Mercedes.
Despite some criticism about being “quiet” at times, Vowles emphasized that the 27-year-old Englishman is delivering solid results and deserves to be kept on for the future.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli is showing immense promise.
Vowles, who has worked closely with the Italian driver, believes Antonelli is on the right track, making significant progress every race and qualifying session.
“He’s only driven in four Grand Prix so far, and the steps he’s making are impressive,” Vowles noted.
Verstappen’s Link to Aston Martin and Red Bull’s Concerns
In the background, rumors continue to swirl about Verstappen’s potential move to Aston Martin, a team that has been making waves in recent seasons.
However, Red Bull remains confident that Verstappen won’t exercise any performance clauses in his contract that could allow him to leave early.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, did admit that Verstappen’s future remains a “great concern,” especially after his underwhelming performance in Bahrain, where he finished in a surprising sixth place.
Despite this, Marko remains hopeful that Verstappen will remain committed to Red Bull.
What’s Next for George Russell and Max Verstappen?
As the season progresses, both drivers face key decisions regarding their futures.
George Russell’s contract situation is still up in the air, but he has shown he is more than capable of competing at the highest level, even under the immense pressure that comes with driving for a team like Mercedes.
As for Max Verstappen, while he remains a Red Bull driver for now, the F1 world will be watching closely to see if his future will take a dramatic turn in the coming seasons.
With both drivers at pivotal moments in their careers, the next few months could reshape the landscape of Formula 1.
Only time will tell whether Verstappen will remain with Red Bull or seek new opportunities, and whether Russell and Antonelli will continue to lead Mercedes toward new victories.
