Max Verstappen tipped to leave Red Bull for shock team in move that would stun F1

Newly-crowned four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull for a shock team.

Dutchman Verstappen dug deep to claim his fourth world title after being pushed by McLaren's Lando Norris this season.

After a winless run lasting more than three months, Verstappen finally sealed the deal during November's Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Due to Red Bull's rare dip in form mid-way through the 2024 season, there have been rumours surrounding the future of Verstappen, whose deal with the team expires in 2028.

However, despite the long contract, Verstappen has been linked with moves away from Red Bull.

Speaking recently to Casino Uden Rofus, via Planet F1, former McLaren mechanic turned pundit Marc Priestley has picked out Williams Racing as one of the options for Verstappen should he decide to leave Red Bull.

He said: "The drivers market is so complicated at the moment because everyone is basing their move on the regulation changes in 2026.

"You have to choose the team you think will produce the best car, it could be a team like Williams. It’s a tough call."

Priestley continued: "If you’re Max Verstappen, you’d look at McLaren but they have two young drivers for years to come, Mercedes are not at the top at the moment but everyone knows they’re a solid team and very good operators.

"We also know Verstappen has had a lot of talks with Mercedes. You could also look at Williams who, under the leadership of James Vowles, are building heavily towards 2026 with big expectations. I know for a fact they expect to compete right at the top with the best teams on the grid, maybe it’s an opportunity for Verstappen."

Williams team boss James Vowles is looking to lead them back towards the front of the grid and made a huge signing ahead of 2025 by luring Carlos Sainz to join Alexander Albon as their driver lineup.

Max Verstappen has won his fourth Formula 1 world title. Image: Getty

Priestley went on to say that Verstappen could even retire in the next few years.

He added: "Max Verstappen could easily retire in the next few years. After years of winning continuously, having a slight drought of trophies could make you lose interest in the sport.

"If Verstappen changes team and it goes well, he’ll continue on winning, but if he’s not winning as much as he usually does, I can 100 percent see him leaving the sport earlier than most would expect."

The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.