Max Verstappen experienced two disappointing free practice sessions, despite that, however, F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto has shed some light on the matter of the Dutchman's permanence at Red Bull Racing on F1TV. Barretto is convinced that Verstappen will remain loyal to the Red Bull Racing team: ‘’I’ve heard that Horner spoke with Verstappen this weekend about what happened in Austria. There does seem to be clarity between Horner and Verstappen — namely, that Verstappen will remain with the team in the short term. What 'short term' actually means, of course, is the question. Red Bull’s management seems to have a lot of confidence in it. Despite all the rumours, they believe Max is staying — and that his silence is actually a sign of that.’’
Horner is not convinced about Verstappen's longer stay
Horner himself indicated that he was not yet sure what Verstappen's future looks like. The team boss of Red Bull expects Verstappen to continue to be seen at Red Bull, but he has his doubts,
as he mentioned earlier: ‘’We are just focused on performing. If things stay as they are, 100 per cent he will be with us next year. It's impossible to say 100 per cent. Is it clear George Russell will 100 per cent be at Mercedes next year?’’