Dan Ticktum has added more fuel to the speculation about Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1. The former Red Bull Racing young driver program member stated that he believes the four-time champion is leaving the team.
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The comment comes at a time of uncertainty for Verstappen in 2026. The Dutch driver has not yet secured any GP victories this season, and has already expressed negative opinions about the category’s new regulations, while Red Bull faces difficulties keeping up with its main rivals.
According to information cited by Motorsport Week, Verstappen reportedly held talks with McLaren. At the same time, Red Bull is competing in its first championship using the power unit developed internally in partnership with Ford, but has found it difficult to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari throughout the year.
Outside of Formula 1, Verstappen has also expanded his participation in other categories, including his presence in the NLS, at the Nürburgring, where he competed with a Mercedes car supported by Red Bull.
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In an interview with Motorsport Week before the Tokyo ePrix, Ticktum was asked about his ideal driver lineup at Red Bull. The answer was direct: “At Red Bull? Me and Max. I don’t think there’s a stronger pairing than that. I think Max is obviously leaving the team,” he stated.
The Cupra Kiro driver took the opportunity to highlight the level of some names on the current F1 grid: “(Kimi) Antonelli is obviously very special. Verstappen is very special,” he stated. He also cited Lando Norris, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc among the drivers he considers high-level in the category.
Ticktum further assessed that Verstappen remains the last truly extraordinary talent formed by the Red Bull structure: “Since Max in the Red Bull family, I don’t think anyone spectacular has emerged. There are many very good drivers, and that’s not a criticism. Lawson, Hadjar, they are all very good. But I believe that if I had obtained my superlicense at that time, I could have competed on equal terms with them,” he concluded.
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