Verstappen completely changes tone toward Red Bull: 'They can't do that at all'

When Verstappen sat down with the Dutch-speaking media on Thursday afternoon in the Red Bull hospitality suite, one thing immediately became clear: asking about his future was pointless.

That was already clear during the FIA press conference, where he firmly shut down every question on the subject. Even before he had properly taken his seat with the Dutch media, Verstappen signaled exactly how he would handle any further questions about his future. “I’m not going to say anything about that,” he explained.

That's where Verstappen sounds different than before. Whereas he previously always emphasized his intention to fulfill his contract with Red Bull, he now refused to confirm that.

Remarkably, his manager, Raymond Vermeulen said earlier this week that Verstappen still plans to stay at Red Bull—which, incidentally, cannot be seen as a confirmation either—but the four-time world champion did not echo those words himself at Spa.

During the official FIA press conference, Verstappen kept it brief. When asked if he could say anything about all the speculation surrounding his future, simply said "no."

He also declined to answer follow-up questions about his decision or plans for 2027. "I’ve said already many times that if there was something new, I would say it myself."

In doing so, Verstappen keeps the door open without giving anything away. There is no deadline for providing clarity according to the Dutchman.

"No, not necessarily," he told GPblog, among others. Verstappen also added there is no pressure from Red Bull's side: "You can’t put pressure on it. Everyone will just have to wait."

Despite all the rumors and speculation, Verstappen emphasized that the day-to-day operations within Red Bull remain unchanged. They are still discussing how to improve the RB22 and get the team back to consistently fighting for victories in Formula 1.

"We’re having conversations about the car and how we need to make progress with it. In that respect, the mood is just as it’s always been. That’s how it should be," he explained.

His relationship with team principal Laurent Mekies, who took over from Christian Horner a year ago, also remains strong.

"Yes, it’s been really good. I get on very well with Laurent. We speak a lot on track, but also off track. I think the relationship that he has within the team is great, and everything for me feels very positive. I think it’s always nice when you can discuss a lot of things with your team boss. So, from that sense, I’m very happy. It’s all very open and transparent," the Dutchman said.

Verstappen also indicated that his frustration after Silverstone has since subsided. He was particularly critical of Red Bull after his DNF at Silverstone, but just a few days later, the focus had shifted back to finding solutions.

According to Verstappen, changes within a Formula 1 team are part of the sport. "People come and go. I think that’s sometimes also part of the process. Sometimes you want people to stay, potentially, yes, but I think that’s just how life is and how sport is as well.

"You just have to carry on and try to find new talent. That’s what you also look at all the time, and that’s what we do," the four-time world champion concluded.

For now, Verstappen is sticking to his approach: until he has something to announce himself, there will be no further clarity. One difference from previous years does stand out, however. Whereas he previously consistently stated his intention to remain at Red Bull, he is now leaving even those words unsaid.

He’s not hinting at a departure either, nor will he confirm whether he has already made a decision. As a result, Verstappen’s future—possibly even throughout the summer break—will remain a subject of speculation for now.