Max Verstappen sits ninth in the 2026 drivers' championship with just 12 points after three races, a position that seemed unthinkable for the four-time F1 champion this time last year. The Dutchman has been vocally critical of the new regulations, describing them as anti-racing and comparing the experience to playing Mario Kart. And now, Verstappen is coming to terms with the fact that his right-hand man for the past decade is to leave Red Bull at the end of 2027 to join rivals McLaren. With so much to contend with, the 28-year-old faces a pivotal decision about his future. So what comes next for Verstappen? We've explored five paths he could take. Max Verstappen stays at Red Bull The most straightforward scenario sees Verstappen honour his contract through 2028, weathering the current storm in the belief that Red Bull can recover its competitive edge. There is precedent for such faith being rewarded. Red Bull has demonstrated over the past decade an ability to solve complex technical problems, though this challenge is perhaps more fundamental than any the team has previously faced. The RB22's issues stem primarily from chassis instability rather than the new Ford-branded power unit, with Verstappen explicitly stating the chassis is a bigger factor in the team's difficulties than engine optimisation. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has expressed confidence that delivering a fast car will restore Verstappen's enthusiasm. The organisation has deliberately set low expectations for the early part of 2026 to allow for development gains throughout the season. Yet time is not an infinite resource. Verstappen is 28 years old, still in his physical prime but acutely aware that his window for adding to his championship tally is finite. The exit clause exists precisely because both parties acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the new regulatory era. And