Verstappen's Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren options face one major obstacle
Summary
Guenther Steiner says Max Verstappen has only three realistic F1 destinations beyond Red Bull – but each team would need to drop a current driver to make room, and none seem willing.
Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull is increasingly uncertain, with the four-time champion openly questioning his commitment to the sport. Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes only three teams can realistically sign him: Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes. But the biggest hurdle isn't interest – it's whether any of those teams will sacrifice a current driver to bring him in.
Why it matters:
- Verstappen's potential departure would reshape the F1 driver market. He is widely regarded as the best driver on the grid, and his availability would trigger a domino effect across top teams.
- Despite a contract through 2028, his recent comments suggest he may walk away entirely if he doesn't find the right opportunity. The 2027 grid could look very different if he moves.
The details:
- Steiner: “In my opinion, Max can only go to three teams: Ferrari, McLaren, or Mercedes. But is there anything available at the moment? Maybe not, but would they make something available for Max Verstappen? That is the big question.”
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown said he “couldn't be happier with what we have” – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are both under contract for 2027.
- Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff insisted there are “not any Max discussions,” with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli locked in.
- Ferrari is the remaining option, but Charles Leclerc has a multi-year deal, and Lewis Hamilton reportedly has an option for a third season in red. Neither seat is open unless a driver is pushed out.
Between the lines:
- Steiner draws a parallel to Ferrari dropping Carlos Sainz for Hamilton in 2025 – proving teams will make tough calls for a generational talent. But the current contracts make it difficult.
- Verstappen himself is giving “serious consideration” to quitting F1 if he can't find a situation that brings back the joy. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I want to be here to have fun… at the moment that's not really the case.”
What's next:
- If no top team creates a vacancy, Verstappen's only two options for 2027 are staying at Red Bull or leaving Formula 1 entirely. The ball is in the teams' court – and Verstappen's patience is running thin.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-ferrari-mercedes-mclaren-options-fa...