Red Bull is under pressure to deliver a “fantastic story” to ensure Max Verstappen completes his Formula 1 career with the team, according to his agent.
The reigning World Champion has somewhat rejuvenated his 2025 season with two wins in the last two races, putting leaders McLaren and its two drivers on notice.
Such a possibility seemed slim just a few months ago, as did the likelihood of Verstappen even remaining with the Milton Keynes-based squad.
At the peak of the European leg of the season, the Dutchman was continuously linked with a move to rivals Mercedes, the speculation becoming a hot-button topic in the paddock.
But with F1 entering an unknown period with the introduction of its radical new rulebook next year, Verstappen made the decision to stay put.
Red Bull is in the midst of two transitions. Firstly, with a new Team Principal in Laurent Mekies, and also with its powertrains division building its own unit for next year, along with Ford.
The latter has ensured Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen will be keeping a lookout on what is best for his man once the dust settles and it becomes apparent which team has interpreted the rules best.
“Everything could change next year with the new regulations,” he told De Telegraaf.
“So it’s better to wait and see how things develop and who is where. Based on that, you can then look further ahead.
“This is nothing new, you know. In 2016, we moved from Toro Rosso to Red Bull, and later from Renault to Honda in terms of engines.
“Those are all moments when you think: ‘What’s going to happen now?’ Those are developments that the three of us – Max, Jos [Verstappen] and I – are constantly monitoring. And Max ultimately has the final say.
“It would be a fantastic story if he drove his entire Formula 1 career for Red Bull. But that will only happen if he has the equipment to win.”
Red Bull 2026 exit would have been ‘huge gamble’ for Verstappen
The F1 rumour mill has churned a bunch of different stories out as to which team has or has not been making a success of its 2026 development so far.
Red Bull has been largely noted for currently struggling, coupled by its own lowering of expectations, given its powertrain-building inexperience.
Vermeulen has admitted that Verstappen could be in for a tough 2026, but pointed out it would be churlish to single him out.
“Yes, that’s possible. But that could also apply to others,” he said.
“It would have been a huge gamble if he had signed a contract somewhere else for next year.
“There are no guarantees whatsoever. Everyone is making predictions, but they are all assumptions.
“Next year, it’s not just about the engine, but also about the chassis. And which people will be recruited here, what impact will that have?
“It’s a kind of puzzle you’re putting together. Hence the conclusion that it’s better to stay for at least another year.
“Max wants to win more championships in the future. He’s not done yet in that regard, but he is dependent on the equipment.
“o I think 2026 will be a very important year, which will determine where his future lies in Formula 1.”
READ MORE – Max Verstappen admits to major aim after Nurburgring GT3 victory
Discussion about this post