Just In: Max Verstappen Red Bull contract ‘a terrible bit of business’ claims top…Read More

Just In: Max Verstappen Red Bull contract ‘a terrible bit of business’ claims top F1 insider

Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has once again become one of the biggest talking points in Formula 1, with a leading F1 insider questioning whether the team’s current contract situation represents good business for the four-time world champion. The debate comes as Red Bull reportedly attempts to secure Verstappen’s long-term commitment while rival teams continue to monitor his situation closely.

Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull, but speculation surrounding his future has intensified during the 2026 season. The team’s performance under the new regulations has not matched the level of dominance it enjoyed during previous championship campaigns, creating questions about whether the Dutchman will remain committed to the project. Reports have also suggested that Red Bull has presented Verstappen with a new five-year contract proposal that could keep him with the team until 2033.

However, the proposed agreement reportedly comes with an important complication. According to reports, the exit-clause situation remains a major issue, with Verstappen believed to prefer greater flexibility rather than immediately committing to a long-term arrangement. That uncertainty has made his future one of the central stories of the current F1 driver market.

The situation is particularly important because Verstappen remains one of the most valuable drivers in Formula 1. His record with Red Bull speaks for itself, having won four consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 2021 through 2024. Red Bull therefore has a huge incentive to keep him at the centre of its long-term plans.

At the same time, Verstappen has become increasingly important to the wider driver market. If he were to leave Red Bull, his decision could trigger a chain reaction involving several other leading drivers. McLaren and Mercedes have both been linked with the possibility of becoming his next destination, although neither move is confirmed.

That is why the criticism of Red Bull’s contract position has attracted attention. From one perspective, securing Verstappen for several additional years would provide the team with stability and allow it to build its future around the world’s leading drivers. From another, committing to an inflexible long-term agreement could become problematic if Red Bull fails to produce a consistently competitive car.

The new technical era has already demonstrated how quickly the competitive order can change. Red Bull entered previous seasons as the dominant force, but the 2026 regulations have created a different landscape. Mercedes have established themselves as a major championship contender, while Ferrari have also shown significant improvement.

For Verstappen, performance will ultimately be one of the most important factors. The Dutchman has repeatedly made it clear that being competitive is central to his decision-making. A contract alone may not be enough to guarantee his long-term loyalty if Red Bull cannot provide a car capable of challenging for victories and championships.

The reported five-year proposal therefore represents both an opportunity and a risk for Red Bull. Keeping Verstappen could give the team a world-class foundation for its future, but failing to address his concerns could leave the door open for rivals to make an approach.

For now, there is no confirmed announcement that Verstappen is leaving Red Bull. The reports surrounding his contract remain part of the intense speculation surrounding the 2027 driver market. His father, Jos Verstappen, has also previously dismissed claims that his son had already decided to recommit to Red Bull, adding further uncertainty to the situation.

As the Dutch Grand Prix approaches, attention will inevitably return to Verstappen and his future. Whether he ultimately accepts Red Bull’s reported proposal, seeks a shorter commitment or considers another team could have enormous consequences for the entire F1 grid.

One thing is certain: Red Bull cannot afford to take Verstappen’s future for granted. The team has a major asset in its hands, and how it handles his contract could shape its competitive direction for years to come.