Guenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen future: 'He's a very wise guy'

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has predicted that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull - but not at the end of the current season. 

Speculation has been intensifying that the four-time F1 champion could quit the Milton Keynes-based outfit at the end of 2025 to complete a move to Mercedes for when the new regulations kick in next term.

Before his recent sacking as Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko both refused to deny their star driver could depart, as has Verstappen himself. 

Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, recently confirmed that talks with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff were taking place; however, he insisted it was perfectly normal. 

Despite the 27-year-old being contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, it is widely believed he has several performance-related exit clauses in his contract which could be activated this summer.

Nevertheless, Steiner expects the Dutchman to keep faith with Red Bull for another year, before potentially leaving at the end of 2026.

When asked on Talksport if Verstappen will leave Red Bull in the future, Steiner answered: "I would say yes, at any point, I don't think for next year. 

"My take is he will stay where he is next year to see how the cars next year are with the new regulations, new engines, new cars, everything is new. Nobody really knows who is where, who will be good, no idea. 

"So if you make a change now, you take a big risk, and at this stage, I think he maybe stays where he is for next year, and maybe end of next year, he sees how the cards stack, who has a good car, and then tries to get in the best car. 

"And normally, if you are the best driver, you have a chance to get in the best car, because they are the people who want you. 

"And he's a very wise guy, very well advised by his father and his manager. And I think he just waits it out for next year.

"End of next year, he'll make a decision where he will be going for '27."