Max Verstappen is focused on resolving Red Bull’s “complicated” Formula 1 issues as he delivers update about his future ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen has been struggling under the current regulations, with the Dutchman yet to win a race in 2026 with the RB22.
The Milton-Keynes-based team’s debut season as a fully-fledged works outfit has come with its own teething issues.
10 rounds in, Red Bull is arguably only the fourth-fastest package on the grid, trading blows with the likes of McLaren as Ferrari and Mercedes currently the lead pack.
With the team’s persistent absence from any regular appearances at the very front of the field, speculation has been rife about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull beyond this season.
Despite a mid-season rumor about Verstappen seeking a shock move to McLaren having fizzled out, he is yet to commit to the team for next year, even though his contract is set to expire at the end of 2028.
“Feeling good. I am feeling good from my side,” he told media including Motorsport Week ahead of the Hungarian GP weekend, when asked what Red Bull needed to do to retain his services.
“But I’m saying that there’s nothing to say because there’s nothing going on.
“For me, I’m just focused on trying to get the most out of the car. Like what I was explaining before, that’s already complicated enough to deal with. That’s what I’m just doing.”
After only his third podium of the season, at Spa, last weekend, Verstappen is on the cusp of heading into the summer break without having made a decision about 2027.
But Verstappen insisted that Red Bull was like a “second family to me” yet refrained from diving into the specifics of his contractual situation despite lauding an “upward trend” in performance for the team since the Belgian GP.
“This team is like a second family to me. I’m just trying to understand our car a bit better and get back to winning ways,” he added.
“We’ve been close one weekend. I hope it was a little bit more often than just one weekend. But like I said before, it’s definitely on an upward trend. So that’s good to see.”
Max Verstappen makes Fernando Alonso comparison amid Red Bull F1 future speculations
Verstappen isn’t the only driver on the grid with a decision to make about driving in the sport, next year.
Fernando Alonso, who has been enduring his fair share of hardships with Aston Martin in 2026, is also yet to commit to a long-term, or in fact even a short-term stint in the paddock.
And just like Verstappen, the two-time F1 World Champion isn’t really a fan of the current rule-set.
But unlike Alonso, Verstappen said that at 28, he still “loves” the sport enough to consider just pulling through the regulations cycle.
“Of course, Fernando is 45. So, it’s probably a bit easier for him to say I quit because he has already done his career,” Verstappen explained.
“But as a real racer, it’s tough. Especially when you’re not enjoying the regulation, you’re not competitive at the moment.
“I’m 28 years old. So, it’s a little bit different. Of course, I can easily stop. It’s not a problem. But I love racing. I’m just trying to deal with what we have.
“Even though what we have at the moment is not what I like.”
For Verstappen, his hunger for victory might just overpower his love for the sport and Red Bull.
But as things stand, after a strong performance at Spa, a return to winning form for Verstappen, at Hungary, right before the summer break might just convince the four-time World Champion to reconsider his future with the team.
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