Verstappen manager insists Red Bull contract will be fulfilled

Vermeulen rejects speculation over Verstappen’s future

Max Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has moved to cool mounting speculation over the four-time Formula 1 drivers’ champion’s future, insisting that the Dutchman intends to remain with Red Bull until the end of his current contract.

The British Grand Prix provided another frustrating chapter. Verstappen’s race unravelled after the novel rotating rear wing on the RB22 failed for the second consecutive grand prix weekend. He subsequently ended up in the gravel, with his visible disappointment after the race fuelling further questions about his long-term plans.

Amsterdam meeting played down

Speaking to Austrian publication OE24, he backed Marko’s account that the meeting had been planned in advance.

“That was a private meeting that had been arranged long ago,” Vermeulen explained. “Also, Max’s sister got married.”

Contract commitment remains clear

Vermeulen was equally direct when asked about Verstappen’s plans beyond the current season. The 71-time grand prix winner, he said, has no intention of leaving Red Bull before his existing deal expires.

“There’s a lot being written about it,” Vermeulen said. “But the truth is, Max wants to finish his time with Red Bull. He has a contract until 2028 and would like to fulfil it.”

That position also applies to the exit clause included in Verstappen’s contract. Its existence, Vermeulen stressed, should not be interpreted as evidence that Red Bull’s relationship with its leading driver is about to end.

“The fact that this clause exists doesn’t mean we’ll activate it,” he added. “We could have activated it in recent years as well, and we haven’t.”

For now, Vermeulen’s comments offer the clearest indication that Verstappen’s focus remains on completing his Red Bull commitment, despite the team’s current difficulties and the renewed noise surrounding his future.