Max Verstappen in talks with Red Bull over F1 future

Max Verstappen is set to continue talks this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix as Red Bull seek a resolution over his F1 future.

Verstappen currently has a deal in place until the 2028 season, however, performance-related exit clauses have left his whereabouts beyond the current season in doubt.

The Dutchman has also called his own future into question on numerous occasions, citing frustrations around the expanding sprint race calendar and the new technical regulations introduced this year.

No agreement between Red Bull and Verstappen has yet been reached, as the team look to have assurances that the four-time champion will be around next year.

The Dutchman, with his management, paid a visit to Austria just before the race in Barcelona where they had talks with the high-level members of the energy drinks company’s management. 

As Red Bull push for an answer, key team figures will be on the ground this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, the squad's home race.

This will include Red Bull GmbH co-owners Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya. If no agreement is struck prior to Friday, that is highly likely, according to RacingNews365 sources, talks will continue over the weekend.

However, Red Bull's primary focus during the coming days will be its on-track pace as it evaluates the highly anticipated upgrade package for the event.

Verstappen has been open and honest over his future and declared earlier this month in Spain when asked about his meetings with Red Bull: “If there is anything new about what I'm doing, I will let you know.”

A significant part of the talks between the two parties centres around the team potentially buying out the exit clause that exists in the deal, ensuring Verstappen can't trigger it going forward.

Red Bull is desiring the commitment as it would help attract engineering talent in the paddock to join and work alongside the 71-time grand prix winner. 

It would also offer a significant boost to the morale within the team as it endures a challenging start to the new season.