Max Verstappen crucial decision date predicted in Red Bull exit theory

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen will wait until the end of the 2026 season before deciding whether to leave Red Bull. 

The four-time world champion faced several questions earlier this year over a potential switch to Mercedes, with talks having not been denied by Verstappen's camp. 

However, ahead of the Hungarian GP, he confirmed that he would remain with Red Bull next season, ending speculation of a move to the Silver Arrows. 

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull does not expire until the end of 2028, although various clauses in his deal made an exit a real possibility. 

Many suspected a potential move to Mercedes was to ensure the 28-year-old had the best car for the new power unit regulations, given Red Bull faces its first season as a power unit supplier.

Speaking to Lottoland, Steiner does not see the need to change teams for 2026 and is expecting Verstappen to make another decision on his F1 future at the end of next year once a pecking order is formed.

"Max will wait until the first season with the new regulation in 2026, see which car is good and not so good… and then at the end of 2026 he decides where he wants to be in 2027."

Moving to Mercedes for the start of the new regulations is viewed as illogical by Steiner, who highlighted that the Silver Arrows might not even have the best car next year. 

If that were the case and Verstappen completed a move, it could make escaping a contract with the German manufacturer very difficult.

"Just to change to Mercedes without certainty that they’ll have a good car in 2026 doesn’t make sense," added Steiner. 

"He’d have to sign a multi-year deal, and if the car’s not competitive, it’s hard to catch up.

"Next year, Max will stay, see what Red Bull is doing, and then decide. I’m pretty sure he can get out of his contract if it’s not a championship contender."