Jos Verstappen has appeared to open the door for his son Max to leave Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, citing that he must “look further to 2026” and the new regulations.
Verstappen is on course to secure his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship with Red Bull this season, but speculation has emerged over his future with the side.
The Dutchman, who retains a contract through 2028, has been linked with an exit from Red Bull amid the tension that has ensued since a probe into Christian Horner.
While the Red Bull Team Principal was exonerated from allegations of inappropriate behaviour, Jos Verstappen warned Horner’s presence could “tear apart” the team.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been observing developments from the outside and has admitted Verstappen is his top target to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
Amid rumours that the Verstappen camp will hold discussions with Mercedes following the Miami Grand Prix, Jos has suggested that his son is listening to proposals.
Discussing his son’s F1 future, Verstappen Sr told RaceXpress: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.
“He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”
Verstappen’s future is set to be thrust into the spotlight again over the coming weeks amid the news that design legend Adrian Newey is poised to depart Red Bull.
The Briton, 65, has been the inspiration behind the cars that Verstappen has driven to the three titles and 58 race victories he has attained to date in the top flight.
“I’m not going to say anything about that….whatever should I say about it?” Verstappen Sr added.
“I don’t know anything about it. There is a deal between him and Red Bull and the rest we’ll see. I can’t say anything about that. We all know how he has performed and how good he is.”
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