F1 Pundit Exposes Politics and Agenda Behind Max Verstappen Exit Rumors

Ex-F1 driver Alexander Wurz revealed that Max Verstappen's Red Bull exit rumors were all part of petty politics of Formula 1.

F1 Pundit Exposes Politics and Agenda Behind Max Verstappen Exit Rumors

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen was at the center of rumors about wanting to leave Red Bull as soon as the 2026 season. Verstappen was speculated to exit the team if they didn’t fire Christian Horner, but following the team principal’s firing, the Dutchman is likely to reconsider his stance. Regardless of the rumors, the 27-year-old’s alleged performance exit clause is also nullified as it was only up until the summer break. Now, ex-F1 driver Alexander Wurz has pondered over the political aspect of the reigning world champion’s exit rumors.

Max Verstappen hadn’t spoken much on the possibility of leaving Red Bull, regardless of Christian Horner‘s firing from the team or not. Still, there were rumors about Verstappen and Co. wanting the team principal snubbed from the outfit and to get a more distributed leadership. Mercedes remained the best choice for the 27-year-old if he were to switch teams, as the four-time champion’s visit to Sardinia at the same time as Toto Wolff raised a lot of eyebrows.

Alexander Wurz firmly believes that there are multiple layers of politics and agendas behind Max Verstappen’s incessant exit rumors. The politics behind this move had increased to such an extent that all the rumors following it were completely out of control of the parties involved. They couldn’t control the speculations, as there were massive doubts raised about what the actual reality was. Wurz asserted that people tried to influence agendas by the media and tried to destabilize Red Bull in their already tumultuous state.

I see there’s multiple layers of agendas and politics. To an extent that however or whoever started this media narrative, at one point it got an uncontrollable self-dynamic, hard to assess of what is the truth, or what is purposely put messages into the media to influence agenda, or at times destabilise other teams.

Alexander Wurz told GPBlog

Even though the rumors got out of control, Alexander Wurz clarified that such things are pretty common in Formula 1. Wurz reckoned that racing politics was caused because of the media and their interest in creating breaking news regarding the top drivers. Regardless, the 51-year-old pointed out that there might be some reality behind the speculations, as he insisted that it would be interesting to see how the situation plays out.

That’s normal in F1. We are playing on the high stakes. Racing politics is happening by the media, but certainly there must be something to it. It will be interesting how it plays out.

Alexander Wurz added

Alexander Wurz reckons Max Verstappen and Mercedes held talks

Max Verstappen’s silence on the matter and his not formally denying all the rumors meant that there was definitely something afoot behind the curtains. Even though nothing came of it, Alexander Wurz believes that conversations were held between the two parties about a potential move as early as the 2026 season.

Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)
Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)

Alexander Wurz insisted that the parties had talked to each other regarding the status quo, more so because any team would want to acquire Max Verstappen in their squad. Wurz raised surety over this probability as he noted that it was ‘100% true’. The 51-year-old added that drivers just exploring their options without taking a bold move was a common practice in Formula 1 as well.

I think that the parties have talked to each other, Max and Mercedes. I think any team would have to talk to Max. This, in my opinion, [is] hundred percent true. Exploration of options in the contract situation, also [a] normal practice in Formula 1.

Alexander Wurz noted

Max Verstappen is now more than likely to continue at Red Bull as the team has taken multiple decisions that suggest that they are listening to the Dutchman’s advice. Moreover, the alleged performance exit clause is also not possible to use anymore, as Verstappen is P3 in the drivers’ standings. As such, it will be interesting to witness how the remaining 11 races pan out for the reigning world champion.

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