Former strategist James Vowles has warned against signing , suggesting that the racer comes with 'a lot of downsides' and could upset the 'great culture' that currently exists in Brackley. For the second season running, Verstappen is being linked with a move away from Red Bull.

The Milton Keynes squad are in crisis mode after a miserable weekend at the Sakhir International Circuit, where they were fighting with Alpine for the title of the fourth-fastest car in the field. Without a significant improvement over the coming rounds, Verstappen's chances of fighting Lando Norris and for the Drivers' Championship title look extremely slim. This has destabilised his position within the team, with suggesting that .

If Verstappen does lose faith in Red Bull, Mercedes and are his two most likely destinations. The former pursued his signature intensely after Lewis Hamilton's exit was confirmed in 2024, but to no avail. According to Williams team principal Vowles, his former boss should avoid another move for the reigning world champion.

"I think there is more performance to be added through Max," Vowles said ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. "I don't think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do, and Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping.

"Well done to him, but he comes with a lot of downsides as well that we have to acknowledge, and I think what Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that's on the way up. So I personally don't think that's a place for him."

Aston Martin, on the other hand, would be desperate to bring the four-time world champion on board. Lawrence Stroll's organisation have already lured Adrian Newey away from Red Bull and convinced Honda to become their exclusive power unit supplier for the new regulations period, starting in 2026.

Despite the speculation, Verstappen insists that his focus remains on developing the RB21. Asked about Marko's comments, he replied: "I don't know, to be honest. I just keep working and trying to improve the car.

"Bahrain wasn't a great weekend for us. We were all pretty disappointed with that. We just keep on trying to improve the car and come up with new ideas to try on the car. Competition is tough, and that's how I go about my weeks, trying to improve the situation."