Verstappen sees this big question mark over the 2026 season

During the press conference on Thursday, the world champion did not clarify his future plans. Later in the day, he further elaborated on these statements, in a discussion with the Dutch press.

Previously, GPblog could report that the four-time world champion will remain with the Austrian side in the 2026 campaign, and will not use his exit clause. That is because there is no better alternative available.

"I just want to first focus on the steps we can still take," Verstappen told the Dutch media, including GPblog.

Then one of the journalists noted that the way Red Bull are still developing for the rest of this season could show whether there is still potential in the team. Something that could play a role in Verstappen's future.

"Yes," the Dutchman acknowledge. "But if you look at the previous regulations. Then Mercedes had everything very well organised, and it was very difficult for us to compete. In the last year, we finally got close."

By the time Red Bull were finally able to compete the German brand, new regulations were introduced, where Red Bull seemed to have the upper hand until the second half of the previous season.

"Mercedes never actually managed to be the fastest team - yeah, [for] a few races," the four-time world champion added, after which he emphasised again that it's not all so black and white.