Another high-level meeting takes place between the Verstappen camp and Red Bull management

A few minutes before qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring began, Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments at Red Bull GmbH, left the Red Bull Energy Station. There, the German, who within Red Bull bears ultimate responsibility for, among other things the Formula 1 team, had met with Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen.

The topic of conversation is easy to guess: Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing. It is highly unlikely that the Dutchman will be at least in the top two in the championship by the upcoming summer break. This would allow him to activate a clause in his contract, after which he can leave the Austrian team without issue despite having a contract that runs through the end of 2028.

Red Bull GmbH hopes that, no matter what, Verstappen will stay with the team and give his word in advance. Verstappen and his camp, however, want to wait and see to what extent Red Bull Racing can find its way forward after a series of updates. A sufficient outlook for the future will determine for Verstappen whether he stays or not.

According to various media, Red Bull GmbH would be willing to spend a considerable sum to keep Verstappen for the next two seasons regardless. Money, however, would not be the deciding factor for Verstappen; he would consider the aforementioned prospect of winning races and championships far more important. Therefore, it is unlikely that commitments were made by Verstappen and his manager during the talks.