Max Verstappen tipped for shock F1 switch as Mercedes snubbed

Max Verstappen could follow Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren in a sensational switch, according to Ralf Schumacher, who believes the Red Bull driver may leave for the Woking-based team himself, potentially as soon as next year.

The former F1 driver has outlined two potential scenarios for the Dutchman following the shock announcement that his long-time race engineer will join McLaren as chief racing officer when his Red Bull contract expires.

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher suggested the four-time F1 drivers' champion could either quit the sport altogether or make the move to McLaren alongside Lambiase, potentially triggering a domino effect that would swap him for Oscar Piastri, with the Australian heading in the other direction.

"This could mean he leaves Red Bull because he no longer believes in the team and quits altogether, especially since he never tires of emphasising how boring he finds Formula 1," the six-time grand prix winner said.

"Or: He goes to McLaren with his engineer, which would equally mean that there are negotiations underway at McLaren for Oscar Piastri to go to Red Bull, something we've seen before."

Notably absent from Schumacher's assessment was any mention of Mercedes, which has long been considered the favourite destination for Verstappen should he leave Red Bull, even if team principal Toto Wolff has tried to pour cold water on the speculation of late.

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but it includes a performance clause that would allow him to leave if he finishes outside the top two in the drivers' championship by the summer break.

With Verstappen currently languishing in ninth place with just 12 points from three rounds, that scenario is becoming increasingly likely.

Red Bull has endured a disastrous start to the season, and the 28-year-old has also been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the new regulations, claiming anyone who enjoys the current rules "doesn't understand motor racing."

He has described the 2026 cars as "fundamentally flawed" and "anti-racing," comparing them to "Formula E on steroids."

And after finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen raised the possibility of quitting at the end of the year, stating he was thinking about "is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"

Lambiase exit could accelerate Verstappen departure

Schumacher believes Lambiase may not see out his Red Bull contract until 2028, despite McLaren stating they expect to welcome him "no later" than that date.

"I think there will be some negotiations between the two parties," the former Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver said. "I can't imagine him finishing 2027 at Red Bull. It will now be about a transfer fee, because when a decision is made this early, it's usually the engineer who leaves."

The German further linked such negotiations to Verstappen's future, particularly given the pair's close relationship.

The 71-time grand prix winner has previously stated he would stop racing when Lambiase stops, telling media in 2021: "I told him that I only want to work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too."

Schumacher referenced this bond whilst outlining his belief that Verstappen will seek a new team next year.

"You shouldn't stop someone who wants to leave," he said. "Gianpiero Lambiase always said: 'I'm staying with Max and Max with him.' That position no longer seems to be the case. In my view, Max will reorient himself next year."

With Mercedes holding a commanding 135 points in the constructors' championship and Kimi Antonelli leading the drivers' standings on 72 points, the prospect of Verstappen triggering his exit clause becomes more plausible with each passing race.

"We also mustn't forget: This exit clause, which was denied, seems to exist," Schumacher added. "And it doesn't currently look like Red Bull will be in a top position until mid-year. Therefore, Verstappen is free to do something like this."