Max Verstappen has, for the first time, acknowledged that his commitment to Red Bull Racing for the 2026 Formula 1 season is not absolute.
At Imola, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko admitted that McLaren's commanding performance makes a fifth consecutive drivers' title for Verstappen "increasingly unrealistic."
It's a concerning development for Red Bull, with Verstappen's performance-related exit clauses approaching for the summer break period.
Despite the team's recent and ongoing political and competitive difficulties, the 27-year-old had previously affirmed his loyalty to Red Bull. However, speaking to De Telegraaf, he now said: "You know what the problem is. If you really had a choice and looked purely at performance, you could change teams almost every season.
"But of course that is not possible."
The uncertainty surrounding the 2026 engine and chassis regulations adds further complexity to his situation. Adrian Newey is now dedicated to Aston Martin's 2026 Honda-powered project, while Mercedes expresses confidence in dominating the new engine rules.
Red Bull, on the other hand, partnering with Ford to develop its own 2026 engine, faces an uncharted path.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, speaking to Osterreich, remarked when asked about rumours of trouble on the Red Bull-Ford test benches: "Nobody knows. Any and all speculation is just speculation."
Verstappen echoed this, stating: "Everyone can say that they know who has the best credentials, but no one knows for sure. The only team that has it best right now is McLaren.
"And although the cars and engines change next year, if they can keep this advantage with the tyres, that is really significant. Then it will be the same next year."
While McLaren's drivers are secured long-term and Verstappen's Red Bull contract extends to 2028, his exit clauses could enable an earlier departure. Reflecting on his future, Verstappen said: "I always think and have always thought about my future. Also in the good years.
"On the other hand, I think I am quite calm about it at the moment."
When pressed by interviewer Erik van Haren on whether that means he is fully committed to Red Bull for 2026, Verstappen replied: "I have always told the team that. That is the intention. Unless things go very strangely."
Van Haren noted that this response lacked a definitive 100 percent guarantee, to which Verstappen clarified: "But that (leaving) is not my intention at the moment. First I want to see how the rest of the season—or at least part of it—goes. So that big, decent steps can be taken by the team.
"The upcoming races are very important. Yes, also for my future. I'm not just talking about next year, but in general. I think everyone in the team understands that."
