Max Verstappen has dismissed speculation about his exit from Red Bull as rumours about his move to McLaren continue ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix – Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen refused to be drawn into speculation over his Formula 1 future, offering a firm response when questioned about his Red Bull contract.
Despite persistent reports linking the Dutchman with a potential move away from Milton Keynes, Verstappen insisted there was nothing to discuss. Meanwhile, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher claimed that he believes the four-time champion has lost faith in the team and could be heading to McLaren.
Verstappen refuses to discuss his future with Red Bull
Speaking to reporters at Spa-Francorchamps on Thursday, Verstappen was repeatedly asked about the rumours surrounding his future beyond the 2026 season.
The Dutch driver made it clear that he had no intention of adding to the ongoing rumours to the media at Spa including TJ13.
“There’s nothing to say from my side,” he said. When pressed further about whether there was any update regarding his future, Verstappen added:
“I said there’s nothing to say. If there were any news, I would say so.”
Although he gave brief answers, Verstappen appeared noticeably more relaxed than after the previous race at Silverstone. The short early summer break seemed to have helped him recharge his batteries.
“It was good to take a short break,” confirmed the Dutchman.
Frustration has grown during a difficult season
Red Bull’s struggles throughout the 2026 campaign have left Verstappen increasingly frustrated.
At the British Grand Prix, the Dutchman retired after another challenging weekend in a car that consistently lacks the pace to compete at the front.
Speaking after the race, Verstappen did not hide his feelings:
“Honestly, I hate this car.”
He later summed up the campaign on social media with a brief but revealing message describing the season as: “All very frustrating…”
Instead of fighting for another drivers’ championship, Verstappen is currently seventh in the standings after a disappointing first half of the year.
Rumours about an exit clause refuse to disappear
Throughout the season, reports have suggested that Verstappen’s Red Bull contract, which officially runs until the end of 2028, contains a performance-related release clause.
According to these reports, he would have been free to leave if he failed to occupy second place in the drivers’ championship by the summer break.
With only two races remaining before that point, and with Verstappen currently sitting in seventh place, reports suggest that these conditions can no longer be met. However, neither Red Bull nor Verstappen has publicly confirmed the existence of, or details surrounding, any such clause.
Despite Verstappen’s refusal to engage with the rumours, debate over his future has continued to intensify.
Ralf Schumacher believes that McLaren could be Verstappen’s next destination
The former Formula 1 driver and Sky Germany pundit believes a split between Verstappen and Red Bull is becoming increasingly likely. Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher said:
“I believe Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull. I think both sides have reached the point where it won’t hurt anymore.”
He added that this was his personal opinion rather than information from inside either camp.
“I believe Max has lost faith in the team.”
Schumacher also suggested that this feeling may now be mutual.
“From my point of view, he will now sit down with McLaren.”
At this stage, neither Verstappen, Red Bull nor McLaren have confirmed that any discussions have taken place.
With the Belgian Grand Prix weekend now underway, Verstappen’s immediate focus remains on making Red Bull competitive again on the track, even though speculation about his long-term future continues to dominate the headlines.
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