Verstappen's manager acknowledges discussions with Toto Wolff.

      "In Formula 1, communication flows freely among all involved."

      Max Verstappen's manager has confirmed that he has met with Mercedes team principal and co-owner Toto Wolff. The four-time world champion is co-managed by his father and Jos Verstappen's long-time manager, Raymond Vermeulen, who recently spoke during an interview at Silverstone amidst swirling rumors. "Some of the things I read are quite far from the truth," Vermeulen stated to the Dutch publication Formule 1.

      While chatter in the paddock centers around Verstappen's potential team for 2026, Vermeulen emphasizes that the primary "focus" is on enhancing the performance of Red Bull’s car for 2025. "We have a contract with Red Bull and are dedicated, just as we have been for eleven years," he stated, referencing the deal that is expected to last until 2028. "Our main priority now is to regain performance. And quickly."

      Vermeulen recognized the public's curiosity regarding Verstappen’s future, especially since he occasionally meets Wolff for coffee. "In Formula 1, everyone talks to everyone else," he remarked. "It’s normal for us to speak with Toto, just as it is to engage with others like A, B, C, and D. I don’t find it surprising that we sometimes share a cup of coffee, yet now it’s turned into a media spectacle. But then again, that’s Formula 1."

      Both Red Bull and the Verstappen camp have acknowledged that Verstappen's contract contains performance-related exit clauses, but Vermeulen asserted, "Perhaps nothing will come of it. That wouldn’t be unusual. There have been instances where performance clauses were triggered and then nothing happened. However, we can’t provide 100 percent certainty about next year right now. No one can," he added, reflecting team principal Christian Horner’s statement at Silverstone that Red Bull isn't "100 percent" sure if Verstappen will still drive for them in 2026.

      Horner also faced rampant speculation on Friday and downplayed the notion that if Verstappen departs, Red Bull would simply acquire George Russell. "We haven’t had any discussions with George," the Brit insisted. "So he seems pretty confident that he’ll stay where he is."

      Horner couldn’t resist throwing in a cheeky comment when asked what his ‘plan B’ would be if Verstappen were to leave, smiling as he answered, "Oscar Piastri."