Verstappen is 'being very clever' about his future

09:14, 19 Jul

Updated: 12:16, 19 Jul

byHidde Korte

F1 pitlane reporter and pundit Jack Plooij believes that Max Verstappen is "being very clever" in regards to what he does with his future in the pinnacle of motorsport.

There's a lot of discussion about Verstappen's future at the Red Bull Racing team. The Dutchman is frequently linked with Mercedes, but nothing is certain yet, despite the continued rumours.

Red Bull's struggles in 2025 may result in the Austrian team having an advantage over McLaren and Mercedes for the coming year. Although Red Bull is currently in fourth place in the standings, this means the team has more time in the wind tunnel.

Max Verstappen currently sits P3 in the drivers' championship, 69 points away from championship leader Oscar Piastri.

Every avenue is available for Verstappen

At the Ziggo Sport Race Café, what's next for Red Bull and what Verstappen would do were topics of discussion, and Plooij gave his view on the whole situation.

‘’I've always said that Max is going to Mercedes, and I still think it's possible that there are still opportunities for him after 2026."

Verstappen has been a part of the Austrian team since making his debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, winning on debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Since then, four world championships have been won by the Ductchman from 2021 to 2024, including the record-breaking 2023 season.

’Max is being very clever, just waiting to see: ‘What will happen with the new regulations and who has the best car?’ Then, he makes his move," Plooij continued.

The 64-year-old also observed that a bit of calmness has returned to Red Bull Racing: ‘’I think the storm has now subsided and that Max is a very loyal team player. So I think the calmness has returned, like: ‘Guys, we can start building again, let’s see what we'll do next year.’ If that turns out not to be good, then he can make the move.’’