Verstappen sensationally linked to four F1 teams as Red Bull exit rumours rumble

Max Verstappen has been linked to four rival F1 teams, including one surprise suggestion, as speculation over his Red Bull future continues to intensify.

Former F1 driver-turned-pundit Ralf Schumacher believes the Dutchman will consider almost half the available options in the championship if he does decide to leave the Milton Keynes-based team for pastures new.

The 27-year-old appears to be increasingly frustrated with Red Bull's slow decline, something that could be accelerated by the dawn of a new era in F1 with the 2026 regulations overhaul.

There does, however, remain the possibility the six-time constructors' champions ace those new set of rules, which could delay Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, in making a definitive decision.

Although, if he does opt for the exit door, he will not be short of suitors for his signature, as highlighted by Schumacher.

"There will be room for Verstappen everywhere," the six-time grand prix winner said on Sky Sports Germany's F1 podcast Backstage Boxengasse. "Once again this year he has shown what a difference he can make as a driver."

The 49-year-old reiterated the existing rumours linking Verstappen to Mercedes and Aston Martin, but highlighted two further potential players in the sweepstakes for the four-time F1 drivers' champion.

"I think people at Mercedes will want to free up space, but I also think McLaren will consider it," Schumacher added, leaning on fact the Woking squad enquired about Verstappen last year, before locking Oscar Piastri down to a long-term deal to match Lando Norris'. "I think Zak Brown, like everyone else, is interested in Max."

However, the former Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver was not finished, throwing an outside bet into the mix.

"The team we keep forgetting about, but does play a role in the whole thing... Alpine," he said. "Flavio Briatore has taken Mercedes engines for his team next year, and in the meantime, look at Pierre Gasly [in Bahrain] last weekend."

The Frenchman qualified fifth at the Bahrain International Circuit, before being promoted to fourth amid Mercedes' grid penalties.

He put together a strong display during the race, crossing the line in seventh after being pipped by Verstappen on the last lap.

"That car can't be that bad," Schumacher mused. "Add to that an extra 30hp [horse power] from the Mercedes engine. I don't want to discount that team either. So in my eyes, there are four teams that could be interesting for Verstappen."