Will Max Verstappen switch to a non-Red Bull Formula 1 team (e.g., Mercedes or Aston Martin) for the 2027 season?

Verstappen: Leaving Red Bull for 2027?

Max Verstappen is currently locked into Red Bull for the 2026 season due to a contract clause tied to his championship standing. However, his future for 2027—the second year of the new engine regulations—remains highly flexible, likely contingent on the team's performance with their new Red Bull Powertrains/Ford unit. Toto Wolff and other rivals have publicly stated their desire to sign him.

The 2026 Engine Uncertainty

The highly split vote reflects the equal probability of two scenarios: either Red Bull nails the 2026 regulations and remains dominant ('No'), or the political turmoil, combined with a potential deficit in engine performance, gives Verstappen the necessary trigger to execute an exit clause tied to 2027 performance, allowing him to jump to a team like Mercedes ('Yes').