'Max will leave the team': Former F1 driver pours fuel on Verstappen exit rumours
As all eyes fall on the Red Bull team in Japan after the blockbuster axing of rookie Liam Lawson after just two races, an F1 insider has declared that Max Verstappen may be the next to leave the struggling team.
Ralf Schumacher has been vocal about Lawson's dramatic exit from the Red Bull senior team and has now given his thoughts on how the four-time world champion is coping with the team's poor performance.
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"If nothing improves in the next two to four races, the decision will be made," said Schumacher.
"I think Max will leave the team."
The former F1 driver and broadcaster pointed to the growing frustration within the team, Verstappen already admitting to reporters in China that the RB21 lacks the pace ability to challenge strong rivals McLaren just two races into 2025.
"It's impossible to say if there's a quick fix," said Verstappen.
"We're pushing hard, but we need more."
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 14, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) Getty
His candid admission has left pundits in the paddock wondering about the strong relationship between Verstappen and the senior staff of the team and how this may crumble in the coming races if nothing changes performance-wise.
Verstappen's father, Jos, has also been caught up in the rumour mill, dismissing McLaren CEO Zak Brown's speculations about his son switching teams.
But earlier last year, in the wake of Christian Horner being investigated for alleged unprofessional behaviour, Verstappen Snr. admitted he wanted the team principal gone from the team.
"There is tension here while he remains in position," he told Mail Sport.
"The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode."
Since then, chatter in the paddock has persisted surrounding the Verstappen camp and the star driver's future.
In Japan, he will again suit up with a new teammate in Yuki Tsunoda for the Grand Prix weekend, his fifth since Aussie Daniel Ricciardo exited the team.
RB21 pit stop practice during the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 23, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Getty
Horner praised Verstappen's involvement with the RB21's development to make the car suit his driving style, saying his work ethic to improve is 'outstanding'.
"Max is working harder than ever, guiding us on what he needs from the car."
But will this be enough for the Verstappen camp to stick with his long-standing team or will the 2025 season mark the end of an era? We'll soon find out.
