Max Verstappen reportedly ‘wants to leave Red Bull as soon as possible’ and could even take a sabbatical to assess his options for the future.

Three-time World Champion Verstappen has cemented his place as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history over recent years, winning 51 of the last 82 races stretching back to the start of his maiden title-winning season in 2021.

F1’s rumour mill: Max Verstappen has no intention of seeing out current Red Bull contract

However, the 26-year-old is currently in the midst of his longest victory drought since 2020, having failed to win any of the last six races since triumphing at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on June 23.

Although he continues to hold a 62-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris in the Drivers’ standings, Red Bull‘s mid-season slump has prompted further speculation over his future.

Despite holding a contract until the end of the 2028 season, Verstappen was heavily linked with a move to Mercedes this year following Lewis Hamilton’s surprise decision to join Ferrari for F1 2025.

Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, made no secret of his desire to land Verstappen before opting to promote teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s successor.