Verstappen’s manager sends clear warning to Red Bull over future

Max Verstappen recently ruled out an immediate exit from Red Bull at the end of 2025, but his long-term future with the team is far from guaranteed.

In a revealing interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Dutchman’s manager Raymond Vermeulen made what Red Bull must deliver in 2026 if it hopes to retain its star driver.

With speculation swirling about Verstappen’s future in F1, the latest move from his inner circle is a bold reminder of who’s calling the shots.

“It would be a fantastic story if he [Verstappen] were to drive his entire Formula 1 career for Red Bull,” Vermeulen said. “But that will only happen if he has the equipment to be able to win.”

Vermeulen’s remarks serve as a pointed reminder that the reigning world champion’s loyalty comes with conditions.

While the four-time world champion’s current contract includes a performance clause allowing him to leave if he is below a set position in the drivers’ championship at the summer break – widely understood to be third, where he currently sits – his leverage grows as the contract approaches its 2028 endpoint.

A Pivotal Year Ahead

With new F1 regulations looming and Red Bull developing its own engine in partnership with Ford, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

“Next year it's not only about the engine, but also about the chassis,” Vermeulen said. “And which people are brought in here, what impact will that have? It's like putting together a puzzle.”

He underlined that Verstappen is not done chasing titles, but his success hinges entirely on the machinery beneath him.

“That's why the conclusion was that it's better to stay at least one more year,” Vermeulen added. “Max wants to win more championships in the future. He's not done in that regard, but he is dependent on the equipment.”

The Dutch manager made it unmistakably clear that 2026 will be a season that determines the trajectory of Verstappen’s F1 career.

“So I think 2026 will be a very important year, one that will determine where his future lies in Formula 1.”

The Message to Red Bull

The candid intervention from Verstappen’s camp functions as both a motivational tool and a warning. By speaking publicly, Vermeulen is applying pressure on Red Bull to ensure the team provides the sport’s superstar with a car capable of fighting for wins and championships.

Read also:

• Verstappen: Red Bull freedom to race beyond F1 ‘very important’

With new engines, revised technical staff, and the evolving competitive landscape of Formula 1, Red Bull will have its work cut out.

For Verstappen, the stakes are clear: 2026 is not just another season; it is the litmus test for whether he continues his legacy with the team that has dominated the hybrid era — or looks elsewhere to secure his future victories.

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