Will Max Verstappen leave Red Bull? The question dominated media day ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps.
The rumours that Max Verstappen could be on his way out of Red Bull have only grown stronger over the summer. The four-time world champion has had a tough season in a car that has rarely been good enough for wins, and now he’s being linked with arch-rivals McLaren.
At Thursday’s press conference at Spa, he was asked point-blank. The answers were short.
– No, said Verstappen when he was asked to give an update on his future.
– Nothing, was his answer when asked what he thinks about the speculation.
When he was finally pressed on whether he is completely loyal to Red Bull even in 2027, he simply repeated that he has nothing to say.
The clause that could set Max Verstappen free
The background to the drama is a clause in Verstappen’s contract, which formally runs until the end of 2028. The clause is tied to his position in the championship at the summer break in August.
This year the Dutchman is so far down the standings that, for the first time, he can activate it. According to reports, he also doesn’t have to give Red Bull an answer until October.
That gives him plenty of time, and zero reason to kill the rumours. As long as the future is open, he has a strong negotiating position against the team.
Piastri calm despite rumours of being replaced
At the same time, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is being pointed out as the driver who would be forced to make room if Verstappen switches teams. The Australian, however, didn’t seem particularly worried when he met the media at Spa.
– I’m very comfortable where I am. Zak and Andrea and the whole team have been very reassuring, said Piastri, referring to McLaren bosses Zak Brown and Andrea Stella.
Piastri also offered his own theory about what’s going on.
– Max probably feels he’s not in a good situation right now and is exploring his options. It was the same thing last year with him and Mercedes.
Red Bull changes rear wing after the crashes
That Red Bull is making an effort to appease its superstar is already visible in the garage. For this weekend’s race, the team has gone back to an older rear wing, after the new design caused Verstappen’s crashes in both Austria and Silverstone.
Verstappen called the situation super dangerous after the latest off and noted that he was lucky to walk away unhurt twice.
The next key date is the Hungarian GP in Budapest in just over a week. Last year, it was there that the speculation about Verstappen’s future came to an end.
Facts: Max Verstappen
- Age: 28
- Nationality: The Netherlands
- Team: Red Bull (since 2016)
- World titles: 4 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
