Coulthard Believes Verstappen-Red Bull Bond Will 'Endure' Despite Exit Rumors

Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes the deep-rooted relationship between Max Verstappen and Red Bull will persist, even as speculation intensifies that the three-time world champion could leave the team or the sport entirely after 2026. This comes amid a significant exodus of key personnel from Red Bull and the team's current competitive struggles, which have fueled doubts about Verstappen's long-term future.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential departure would be the most seismic driver market move in a generation, capable of reshaping the entire competitive order of Formula 1. His loyalty to Red Bull has been a cornerstone of his career, but the combination of a difficult car, new regulations, and the loss of trusted allies like Helmut Marko and Gianpiero Lambiase is testing that bond like never before.

The details:

• Coulthard, a former Red Bull driver, stated on the Up to Speed podcast that the bond between Verstappen, his family, and the Austrian company is strong enough to "endure," regardless of his 2027 racing destination.
• He specifically doubted Verstappen would ever represent a rival energy drink brand, saying, "I don’t expect to see him suddenly turn up as a Monster athlete."
• However, Coulthard acknowledged the reality of F1, noting that "nothing lasts forever in this game" and that Verstappen, as a "competitive animal," will need to see a path back to winning for his loyalty to hold.
• The speculation is driven by concrete factors: the confirmed departure of his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, to McLaren; the exit of influential advisor Helmut Marko; and the team's P6 standing in the 2026 championship with an uncompetitive RB22 car.
• Another former driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, publicly advocated for a move to Mercedes, calling it a "perfect opportunity" given team principal Toto Wolff's long-standing admiration for Verstappen.

What's next:

The pressure is now on Red Bull to demonstrate a clear and convincing recovery trajectory before the end of the 2026 season. Verstappen's contract runs through 2028, but performance clauses and his evident frustration could make 2027 a pivotal year.

• If Red Bull can show tangible progress with its car development, the unique relationship may survive this turbulent period.
• If the struggles persist, the allure of a fresh start with a powerhouse like Mercedes—who will be eager to secure a top-tier successor for their own departing star—could become irresistible for a driver of Verstappen's caliber, setting the stage for a monumental shake-up on the grid.