Max Verstappen handed 'perfect time' Red Bull exit message

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes it is the "perfect time" for Max Verstappen to quit Red Bull, following the shock departure of Christian Horner. 

It was announced on Wednesday that Horner and Red Bull had parted ways after over 20 years together, with Laurent Mekies having become the Austrian outfit's new team principal and CEO. 

The significant change has already been described as a "new chapter" by Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, although Herbert is convinced Verstappen should still leave. 

Verstappen has been heavily linked to Mercedes in recent weeks, with Toto Wolff having confirmed that talks have taken place with the four-time world champion.

When asked in a RacingNews365 interview if Horner leaving increases the chances of Verstappen staying, Herbert answered: "Well, it's like anything, I think, when you are pondering on what to do, and that's exactly where Max is, and that's any driver at any given point in their careers, you are always going to try and look at where is the best place for me to be able to achieve what I want to achieve, which is going out there and winning races and hopefully winning a world championship. 

"And that's what Max will be thinking. And I'm sure he's aware of what is probably going on back at base at Red Bull, where they're at, and what the rumours are of where others are at. 

"The talks that seem to have happened [with Mercedes], I'm sure there has been a little bit of a well, this is sort of where we think we're at, you should come along and join us chat with Toto. That's what I would have thought would be going on. 

"And then that's where, as a driver, you'll be working out what's going to be, as I said, better short-term, but also long-term. At the same time, Red Bull have done remarkable things in the last 10 years, it's slightly gone awry."

Verstappen 'aware' of Red Bull changes

Verstappen finds himself 69 points adrift of Oscar Piastri and is unlikely to secure a fifth consecutive F1 drivers' title, due to Red Bull's troublesome RB21. 

Much of the team's difficulties has been pinned on last year's exit of Adrian Newey, something Herbert is confident Verstappen has recognised.

"Like I said, Max is aware that all the change that's happened with Adrian," added Herbert. "As I said, repeat myself a little bit. 

"But you want to be in the best place you can and I'm sure his dad has always been very vocal with everything that's been going on at Red Bull. And is it the perfect time for a move? Well, I think it is."