Verstappen's Future with Red Bull in Doubt

Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull is uncertain amid various challenges faced by the team, including car performance issues and internal management decisions. Reports suggest Verstappen may leave if Red Bull's performance doesn't improve, with potential moves to Aston Martin or Mercedes discussed. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's senior advisor, hinted he might retire if Verstappen exits, citing their professional relationship as pivotal. The team's recent decisions, such as replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda, have not sat well with Verstappen, who expressed dissatisfaction over how changes were handled. Verstappen's contract runs until 2028, but a performance-related release clause could facilitate an earlier departure. The situation is compounded by Red Bull's struggle to match the pace of rivals like McLaren, and Verstappen's recent performances in races like the Chinese and Japanese Grand Prix have underscored these difficulties.