Max Verstappen‘s manager, Raymond Vermeulen has provided “summer break” timeline with a decisive caveat for the Red Bull driver’s Formula 1 future.
After four consecutive F1 championships with the Milton-Keynes-based outfit between 2021 and 2024, Verstappen has failed to be competitive under the sport’s latest era so far.
The RB22 has been deemed to be the fourth-fastest package on the grid, by the Dutchman himself, amid his public disdain of the 2026 regulations.
While his reservations on the 50-50 engine split between the ICE and the battery is finding some resolution with the FIA’s decision to shift to a 60-40 split by 2028, speculation is still rife about his future in the paddock.
Verstappen’s endurance and GT exploits have prompted rumors about him ditching F1 altogether to carve out a niche for himself in other racing categories.
On the other hand, performance-related exit clause discussions have also popped up in the paddock with the 28-year-old linked with a move to Mercedes, next year.
Amid this, Vermeulen has opened up on a potential announcement about Verstappen’s F1 future.
“Our contract runs until the end of 2028,” he told Sport BILD. “Of course, contracts always contain exit clauses, but we’ve never had to make use of them so far.”
Max Verstappen F1 future hinges on crucial Red Bull caveat
2026 has been a difficult year for Verstappen. The Red Bull driver has not won a Grand Prix since Abu Dhabi, 2025, with Canada being the only podium he’s stood on this season.
Vermeulen insisted that the Dutchman’s camp wants to make things clear “quickly” but has issued an important criteria Red Bull must fulfill if they want to retain Verstappen’s services.
“We want to make a decision quickly so that everyone knows where they stand, possibly even before the summer break,” he added.
“We’d like to continue with Red Bull and see Max finish his career there, but he must always have the chance to compete for victories.”
The Austrian GP, therefore, would come as a welcome reprieve for Verstappen with the Red Bull Ring being one amongst his most winningest tracks (5 wins) along with Yas Marina and Mexico City.
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Originally published by motorsportweek.com —
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