Dutch Formula 1 legend Max Verstappen has long been rumored to be leaving Red Bull Racing. Now, with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix about to kick off in Italy, he has hinted that the upcoming races will be very important for his future.
Max and Red Bull are under significant pressure this season as McLaren has been rising strongly. So far, Piastri has won four races, including three consecutive recent wins.
Meanwhile, Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have only managed to win the Japanese Grand Prix and have suffered defeats at both the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix, despite having secured pole positions to start from P1 in the main races.From next season, Formula 1 will undergo a major change with new technical regulations threatening to shake up the pecking order — a situation Verstappen understands all too well.
“It’s hard to estimate,” said the four-time F1 champion in an interview with De Telegraaf. “Next season, everything will be fresh and new for the sport. And everyone can say they know who will have the best results, but in reality, no one knows for sure!” Max continued, sharing his thoughts on the 2026 season. “The only team with the best results at the moment is McLaren. The cars and the engines will change next year. But if you can maintain that kind of advantage with the tires, that’s very important — and it will be the same next year.”
Verstappen signed a contract extension with Red Bull a few years ago. This agreement is valid until 2028. While the possibility of a move to McLaren for Verstappen has closed — as Piastri and Lando Norris are both on long-term contracts —there is still major interest surrounding the possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull, especially as speculation grows over the performance clauses in his contract. The Dutch driver’s future at Red Bull is being closely watched. “I have always thought about my future, even in my best seasons,” Verstappen said rather calmly.
When asked if he wanted to stay with Red Bull from next season onward, Max replied: “I’ve always said that to the team. That is my intention. Unless something really strange happens. But leaving is not my desire at the moment!” “But I still want to see how the rest of the season goes, or at least part of it. The team can make big and solid steps forward. So the upcoming races will be very important — for me, and for my future.”
