Verstappen’s management and Red Bull leadership in talks after Max’s race retirement

Jos Verstappen, Raymond Vermeulen, Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff were engaged in a lengthy conversation at Red Bull hospitality after the British Grand Prix. Following yet another technical problem with Verstappen’s RB22, Verstappen’s camp also had reason to complain.

The Red Bull Racing team principal and the Red Bull CEO had to put in a good word, because yet another setback for Verstappen carries serious consequences. Despite a contract through 2028, Verstappen can leave Red Bull Racing after the 2026 season. Due to his retirement in Silverstone, Verstappen can no longer be in the top two in the championship going into the summer break, which would allow him to trigger his exit clause.

With that frustration, Verstappen now heads into a short break before the last two Grands Prix on the calendar in two weeks’ time ahead of the summer pause. During that break, Verstappen faces an important decision on whether he wants to stay with Red Bull. He has a contract through 2028, but can leave due to the clause and doesn’t have to inform Red Bull of his decision until October.

Verstappen expressed hope that Red Bull can continue to make progress; if so, he sees no reason to leave. The Red Bull does seem to be getting more competitive, but the updates don’t mask all of the team’s problems. For instance, Verstappen had yet another disastrous start in the sprint race, and in Sunday’s Grand Prix he suffered another technical issue that ended his race prematurely.

Still, there doesn't appear to be many options for Verstappen if he wants to leave Red Bull. Ferrari already has Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton under contract through 2027, and Mercedes, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, currently has little reason to look for a new driver. That leaves McLaren for Verstappen, but that team has its own problems and certainly doesn’t look like a step forward for the Dutchman.