Red Bull hit with brutal assessment over Max Verstappen future

F1 fans have delivered a damning verdict on Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull following the confirmation that Gianpiero Lambiase will depart for McLaren in 2028.

The overwhelming majority believe the Dutchman's days at the Milton Keynes-based squad are numbered, with two-thirds expecting him to activate his contract exit clause and leave by the end of either 2026 or 2027.

It marks a stark change in sentiment for a partnership that delivered four consecutive F1 drivers' championships between 2021 and 2024, but the cracks have been widening throughout a dismal start to the new regulations era.

Verstappen has been vocally critical of the 2026 rules, describing them as "Mario Kart" and a "joke" that prioritises battery management over genuine racing craft. 

His frustrations have been compounded by Red Bull's struggles to adapt, with the team languishing in sixth place in the constructors' championship with just 16 points from three races.

The 28-year-old currently sits ninth in the drivers' standings, a position that would theoretically allow him to trigger performance-related exit clauses in his contract.

It is understood that Verstappen can depart at the end of 2026 if he finishes outside the top two by the summer break, or leave after 2027 if he is not leading the championship.

Lambiase's impending departure adds another layer of uncertainty. Verstappen said: "I have said to him that I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too."

Though Lambiase will remain at Red Bull until 2028, the writing may already be on the wall. With Mercedes having dominated the opening races and questions mounting over Red Bull's competitiveness, Verstappen's future at Milton Keynes has never looked more uncertain.

Check out the full result of the latest poll by RacingNews365 below!