Jun.11 (GMM) Max Verstappen has fuelled fresh speculation about his future after being spotted in Salzburg for high-level talks with Red Bull’s top management.
In the few days after Monaco, the quadruple world champion apparently met with Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz, the energy drink brand’s sports chief Oliver Mintzlaff, co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya and his manager Raymond Vermeulen before travelling to Barcelona.
The timing is significant.
Although Verstappen remains contracted until the end of 2028, persistent rumours continue to link him with Mercedes as Red Bull navigates a difficult start to the 2026 season.
The situation is complicated by several factors, including the impending departure of long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren and uncertainty surrounding Mercedes driver George Russell’s future.
Veteran Swiss journalist Roger Benoit believes key decisions are approaching.
“Red Bull now needs to seriously consider the future of the 71-time Grand Prix winner. He has a contract until the end of 2028, but has naturally secured various exit clauses and options,” he wrote.
Benoit claims Verstappen could activate an option relating to 2027 before the summer break, although the final deadline for a commitment to Red Bull may not arrive until October.
“Does he still believe in a fifth title with them?” he asked.
The Mercedes rumours refuse to disappear.
“The door at Mercedes is always open,” Benoit continued. “One thing is clear – if Verstappen wants to drive for the Silver Arrows, then Russell is gone. Yes, that’s how brutal the business is.”
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos thinks recent developments at Mercedes only add to the intrigue.
“I also heard a statement from Toto, in which he said that his three favourite drivers were on the podium, or at least in the front of qualifying,” he said on the Pit Talk podcast.
“That was Max, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi. That is of course not a pleasant signal for George.”
Doornbos also pointed to Russell’s contract situation.
“Mercedes waited a long time to extend George, because they had conversations with Max Verstappen in the meantime,” he claimed. “George had to wait. You remember, ‘Where is my contract?'”
“In the end, he only received a one-year contract with performance clauses.”
Russell’s position has come under renewed scrutiny after falling more than 60 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship.
“Honestly, I don’t think he’s complying with those clauses at the moment,” said Doornbos. “If you’re more than 60 points behind your teammate after six races, that’s not a good statistic.”
“One thing seems clear – Andrea Kimi Antonelli is not going anywhere.”
Doornbos also revealed how Mercedes is trying to keep the 19-year-old grounded despite his spectacular rise.
“Did you know he recently moved in on his own?” the Dutchman said.
“It’s the first time he’s not lived with his parents anymore. He’s doing the housework himself now. He doesn’t even have a cleaning lady yet.”
“He probably made $10 million (in Monaco) because of his victory and bonuses, but still he remains incredibly sober. That, in my opinion, is also the most important thing for Toto Wolff and his family – to keep him on the ground with both feet.”