Max Verstappen’s frustration with Red Bull reached a fever pitch at the Miami Grand Prix, igniting speculation about his potential departure. Uncharacteristic errors, a resurgent McLaren, and a mere six-point lead over George Russell in the driver’s championship have raised the specter of Verstappen activating a driver’s clause and seeking a new home from 2026 onwards.

The Miami GP was a disaster for Red Bull and Verstappen, who finished a distant fourth. The RB21 proved no match for the McLarens and even struggled against the Mercedes, leaving Verstappen unable to challenge for the lead. “It just wasn’t good enough,” Verstappen lamented, expressing his desire to “go home” after a frustrating weekend.

A key factor in Verstappen’s growing discontent is the emergence of Oscar Piastri as a formidable rival. Unlike previous seasons where Verstappen could dominate Lando Norris, Piastri presents a different challenge. Verstappen acknowledged Piastri’s pace and skill, recognizing the direct pressure he faces from the young Australian.

The Miami weekend was also marred by a rare mistake from Red Bull during the sprint event. An unsafe pit release resulted in a penalty, marking Verstappen’s first finish outside the top 10 since Belgium 2016. This error, coupled with the improved competitiveness of McLaren and Mercedes, suggests that Verstappen will face tougher battles throughout 2025.

Piastri himself acknowledged the pace advantage of the McLaren, stating that it was “a matter of when I got past Verstappen – not if.” This confidence highlights the shift in the competitive landscape and the growing pressure on Verstappen.

Forced to push harder than ever, Verstappen has displayed a more aggressive driving style, often bordering on reckless. Norris observed that Verstappen “is not racing very smartly,” suggesting that his aggressive tactics cost him a potential podium finish.

Adding to the drama, Red Bull lodged a protest against Russell for allegedly failing to slow down under yellow flags. Despite Verstappen’s insistence that Russell violated the regulations, the FIA dismissed the protest, further fueling Red Bull’s frustration.

The upcoming Imola Grand Prix is crucial for Red Bull. They desperately need the planned upgrades to address the car’s issues and close the gap to McLaren and Mercedes. However, even with upgrades, the dominance of the McL39 is undeniable. Verstappen himself joked that he would be unbeatable in one of those cars, a sentiment echoed by Norris.

Amidst the uncertainty, McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed that he had contacted Verstappen to explore his options, hoping to trigger a domino effect in the driver market. While Brown believes Verstappen is more likely to stay with Red Bull, he acknowledged the potential threat posed by Mercedes’ engine program in 2026.

“I look at Mercedes’ track record and body language when it comes to engines,” Brown said. “They seem very confident about it. If you ask me to look at the current situation, I would rather see Max driving for Red Bull than Mercedes.”

The “contract clause” that has been a recurring topic of speculation is now a real concern for Red Bull. If Verstappen’s frustration persists and he falls outside the top three in the driver standings, the likelihood of him exercising that clause increases significantly.

The key questions now are: Will Verstappen remain loyal to Red Bull? And if he does leave, which team would he choose?

The answers to these questions depend on Red Bull’s ability to deliver a competitive car and address the team’s operational errors. If they fail to do so, Verstappen’s loyalty will be tested, and the possibility of him seeking a new challenge elsewhere will become increasingly likely. The Formula 1 world awaits with bated breath to see how this drama unfolds.