Max Verstappen 'strongly' considering bombshell Red Bull exit

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher is confident that Max Verstappen is still "strongly" considering a bombshell Red Bull exit, despite the exit of Christian Horner. 

The future of the four-time world champion has been a major talking point in recent weeks, with Verstappen being heavily linked to Mercedes. 

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently confirmed that talks with the Dutchman had taken place, as has Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen.

A theory has been raised by former F1 driver Gerhard Berger that Horner was axed to ensure Verstappen does not leave, although Schumacher is unsure. 

The German does not believe Horner departing and the speculation surrounding Verstappen's future are linked, and that a move elsewhere could still happen.

However, Schumacher is confident that the 27-year-old does want to stay, but that the rebuild of Red Bull could be the deciding factor.

"I don't think one has anything to do with the other," Schumacher told Sky DE. "That's not what Max was about either.

"Max of course wants to stay at Red Bull, if possible. That's where it all started and he owes a lot to Red Bull. But this valley that Red Bull is going through now will last for some time, I fear. 

"In the history of Formula 1, it usually takes two to three years. Now of course one thing can happen and that is that next year's rule changes lead to a great approach.

"But I lack that fantasy. Because for two, or a year and a half, Pierre Waché has failed to make the car really drivable and good. So I still think that after last weekend Max is thinking strongly about leaving Red Bull."