Verstappen acknowledges that he might depart from Red Bull.

      "I consistently contemplate and have always contemplated my future."

      For the first time, Max Verstappen has acknowledged that he is not entirely certain about remaining with Red Bull Racing next year. Team advisor Dr. Helmut Marko admitted at Imola that, considering McLaren’s current dominance, securing a fifth consecutive drivers’ title for the Dutch driver is "becoming unrealistic." This poses a challenge for the team as Verstappen's exit clauses could come into play this summer.

      Up to now, the 27-year-old has shown loyalty to Red Bull despite the ongoing political and performance issues. "You know what the problem is," he said in an interview with De Telegraaf. "If you truly had the option and focused solely on performance, you could switch teams almost every season. But that’s obviously not feasible," Verstappen explained.

      The major uncertainty lies in the new engine and chassis regulations set for 2026. Adrian Newey is fully concentrating on designing the new Honda-powered 2026 car for Aston Martin, while Mercedes seems confident in mastering the upcoming engine regulations right from the outset. Red Bull, on the other hand, is working on its own 2026 engine in partnership with Ford. When questioned about its potential track performance, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff told Osterreich, "Nobody knows. Speculation is just speculation." Verstappen completely concurs. "Everyone can claim to have the best insights, but no one can know for certain," remarked the four-time world champion.

      "The only team that currently appears strongest is McLaren," he noted. "And while the cars and engines will change next year, if they can maintain their tyre advantage, that’s quite significant. It could lead to a similar situation next year."

      McLaren's drivers are secured for the long term, as is Verstappen at Red Bull—though the Dutchman has exit clauses that could enable him to leave before 2028. "I consistently think about my future," Verstappen stated, "even during the successful years. On the other hand, I feel relatively calm about it at this point."

      When interviewer Erik van Haren asked if this indicates he is fully committed to Red Bull for 2026, Verstappen responded tactfully: "I have always conveyed that to the team. That is the plan. Unless something unusual happens." Van Haren pointed out that this does not guarantee a 100 percent commitment to Red Bull. "But that's not my intention right now," Verstappen confirmed. "Initially, I want to assess how the remainder of the season—at least part of it—unfolds, enabling the team to make significant strides. The upcoming races are crucial. Yes, they are also important for my future. I'm not merely thinking about next year, but in a broader context," he emphasized. "I believe everyone in the team recognizes that."