Verstappen expected to announce his continued tenure at Red Bull during Zandvoort.

      Max Verstappen is expected to confirm his continued partnership with Red Bull until 2028 at Zandvoort, as reported by former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos. Verstappen was spotted vacationing with Toto Wolff and their partners in Sardinia, around the yachts they frequently visit.

      However, Mercedes has not aggressively pursued the Dutch driver this year, and recent rumors regarding McLaren would necessitate Verstappen leaving his long-standing Red Bull setup to join Zak Brown’s customer-engineered team alongside fellow champion Lando Norris. Doornbos believes that viable alternatives have now vanished.

      "We should receive news in the next month," he mentioned on the Pit Talk podcast. “The future of Max Verstappen is likely to be revealed in Zandvoort, as this is the last Grand Prix in the Netherlands."

      “It’s a significant moment for Red Bull to keep Max with them and extend his contract until 2028, which he has already signed."

      "It’s only right for the team to publicly declare this to the media and to Red Bull: I will stay with you, allowing us to concentrate on 2027."

      "That will be a key topic for discussion." He believes Verstappen has "missed the boat" for an immediate transfer.

      "He needs to remain with Red Bull," said the Dutchman. "The alternatives are no longer available."

      "I don’t foresee Mercedes pursuing Max as they have in the past, especially since they already have the next superstar within their own team."

      Doornbos was referring to 19-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli, expressing skepticism about Mercedes wanting to pair Verstappen with the Italian.

      "From a marketing perspective, it would be fantastic, but in terms of sport, I think having them both in one team would be a disaster," he said.

      "If George continues to underperform and that becomes an issue, they can bring in another second driver instead of chasing the signature of a four-time world champion."

      Former Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko also hopes Verstappen remains with the team, though he critiques their current performance.

      "I would give the team a satisfactory rating," he told Kronen Zeitung. "They’re not consistently quick."

      Marko sees clear distinctions from Red Bull's successful comeback during the 2025 season. "They are not always fast," said the 83-year-old Austrian.

      "Furthermore, the collaboration between Max and his engineers does not seem to be going well either."

      He is doubtful that Verstappen can engineer another championship comeback. "The competition from McLaren and Ferrari is too significant for that," Marko stated. "The car is too unstable."

      "I certainly wouldn’t dare to bet on that." Lastly, when asked about Verstappen's future, Marko confessed he is uncertain. "I truly hope he stays."