​As has been the case for the past two years, persistent rumors suggest that Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is leaving his only Formula 1 team, though it may be best to wait for now.Verstappen has been linked heavily to Mercedes in the past, though the Dutchman ended up staying with the incumbent team.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow, the team connected to Verstappen is McLaren, which is rumored to be in talks with his camp and eyeing him as a teammate to pair with Lando Norris.The move would come at an odd point considering McLaren has two young drivers tied down for the foreseeable future, and Oscar Piastri should have his best driving ahead of him.SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 27: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2026 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202606270445 // Usage for editorial use only //However, with McLaren publicly backing their lineup and Mercedes looking quite comfortable, the only other possible option is Ferrari, though they are also seemingly set.While all their teams have better cars than Red Bull’s at the moment, a move for Verstappen is not a seamless fit, and the driver may need to wait another year or two for a clear chance to develop.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMax Verstappen seen during the FIA Formula1 World Championship at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria on June 26, 2026 // Philip Platzer / Red Bull Ring // SI202606260281 // Usage for editorial use only //Considering the market landscape, developments over the next year could give him a clear fit to slot into, according to The Athletic’s Luke Smith.“The prospect of a four-time world champion being unsettled will naturally attract the attention of rival teams as the driver market starts to gather steam for 2027,” Smith writes. “And the weeks before and after the summer break are always prime time for ‘silly season’ discussions. This is because teams prefer to have driver deals in place well ahead of a new year, to make plans with their car design staff and marketing teams.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Yet with so few teams having an easily viable route to sign Verstappen for next year, this makes 2028, not 2027, appear the better year for him to assess his options for his next move. Be it signing a new contract with Red Bull or looking elsewhere.”“It all adds up to seemingly leave Verstappen without a serious alternative to Red Bull at the front of the grid for next year, without some sudden seismic change.”Money will be no object when it comes to Verstappen making a move; however, bringing in a driver of his stature and legacy is no small task, and teams may be reluctant to undertake such a radical shake-up.Thus, at this point, Verstappen may bide his time with Red Bull, waiting to see whether the car improv