Verstappen committed to Red Bull – unless ‘strange things happen’

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Max Verstappen has reaffirmed his intention to remain with Red Bull Racing for the foreseeable future, quashing speculation about an imminent departure despite a challenging 2025 season.

However, the four-time world champion also made clear that his team’s performance in the upcoming races could influence his long-term fate in Formula 1.

Verstappen has been linked with potential moves to rivals such as Aston Martin or Mercedes amid internal tension and a dip in Red Bull’s 2025 performance.

While the Dutchman’s comments will be seen as a boost to Red Bull as it tries to weather mounting pressure from McLaren and Mercedes out on the track, they may also be interpreted as Verstappen keeping his options open, just in case, or in case “some strange things happen” as he said.

Eyes on the Next Few Races

“I did always say that to the team,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf in Imola this weekend. “That's the intention, unless strange things happen. But that [a departure] is not my intention at the moment.”

“Because first I want to see how the rest of the season – or at least part of it – goes. That big, decent steps can be made by the team.

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“The next few races are very important. Yes, also for my future. Then I'm not even necessarily just talking about next year, but in general. I think everyone in the team realizes that too.”

Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs through the end of the 2028 season, but reportedly also includes an exit clause in favor of the Dutchman related to performance factors.

No Break from F1 – Just a Desire to Compete

Though his loyalty isn’t entirely unconditional, Verstappen was quick to quash any notion that he might take a sabbatical or step away from the sport amid frustrations.

“There is no question of that, my intention is to last in Formula 1 at least through 2028,” he said. “Obviously I don't like everything in this environment, but I do like working with the people around me and the racing itself.

“Although a fourth place like in Miami is not what I'm doing it for. But it's always better than finishing last.”

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Red Bull will be counting on the upgrades it’s brought to Imola this weekend to narrow the gap to McLaren, which has so far dominated the European leg of the season.

If the performance pendulum continues to swing in McLaren’s favor, Verstappen's future – and F1’s driver market – could shift dramatically. For now, though, the reigning champion remains a charging bull in Red Bull’s stable.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.