A still-ill Verstappen appears before the media, including GPblog, after qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort. "I’ve felt better," he replies when asked how he’s doing. The Dutchman already arrived at the circuit on Thursday not feeling well, and that still hasn’t changed.

Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull and Verstappen made a major announcement together: not only is he staying with the team, he has also extended his contract by two years. The four-time world champion also indicated that a possible return of V8 engines could play a role in his decision to potentially continue beyond 2030.

That hasn’t changed. Verstappen still wants to wait and see which direction the sport develops in over the coming years. He does make it clear, however, that his current contract will likely be his last in Formula 1. "Yes, the chances are high," he answers when asked. Even if the V8 engines do make a comeback? "I don’t know. That also depends a bit on how the coming years go." So the door to a possible longer stay in the sport isn’t closed for Verstappen just yet.

Elsewhere, Cadillac hopes to strengthen its organisation in the short term with Craig Skinner, Red Bull Racing’s former head designer until the start of 2026. At Max Verstappen’s team, he was responsible for the title-winning cars of 2022, 2023 and 2024. He is now in concrete talks with Cadillac about joining the company, GPblog understands.

Skinner spent no less than 20 years at Red Bull Racing, serving most recently as Chief Designer as he succeeded Adrian Newey at Verstappen’s team. Thanks to Skinner’s cars, the Dutchman was able to celebrate three individual world titles.