The possible departure of Max Verstappen from Formula 1 at the end of 2026 would not mean the end of his relationship with Red Bull Racing. This is the opinion of former category driver David Coulthard, who believes that the bond between the Dutchman and the brand should continue regardless of his future in F1.
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This assessment arises amid significant changes around the four-time world champion, who has seen close allies leave the team. The most recent departure involves Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s race engineer, who was announced as the new Chief Racing Officer of McLaren for 2028.
In addition, Verstappen recently lost another important name from his career. In December, Helmut Marko left his position as team consultant, a role in which he played a decisive part in promoting drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel, and Verstappen himself to Formula 1.
Even before these changes, other important names had already left the Milton Keynes-based team, such as Jonathan Wheatley, Adrian Newey, and Christian Horner. Meanwhile, Red Bull currently occupies sixth place in the 2026 championship, a scenario that has intensified speculation about the Dutchman’s future.
With the loss of allies, a car considered difficult, and criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 rules, rumors have emerged that Verstappen could leave the team or even the category at the end of the current season. Still, Coulthard believes that the relationship built over the years will not be broken.
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“I think the relationship between Max and Red Bull will last, regardless of whether he races for them in Formula 1 in the future,” Coulthard said on the Up to Speed podcast. “But I believe the bond between the brand, Max Verstappen, and his family is something that will continue; I don’t expect to see him suddenly appear as a Monster athlete,” he added.
Despite this, the former driver acknowledges that competitiveness may influence the Dutchman’s decision. Coulthard pointed out that Verstappen should not wait indefinitely for a team recovery.
“But clearly, as I said before, nothing lasts forever in this sport, and Max is a competitive animal. If Red Bull struggles in the long term, or even this year, but shows no signs of returning to winning in the future, then naturally he will evaluate where his career will be best served,” he concluded.
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