Max Verstappen has refused to give a clear answer about his Formula 1 future amid growing reports linking him with a move from Red Bull to McLaren.
The four-time world champion faced repeated questions before the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, but stopped short of confirming that he would drive for Red Bull in 2027.
Verstappen remains under contract until the end of 2028. However, performance-related exit clauses are widely reported to be included in the agreement, creating a possible route out of the team before the deal expires.
Eighteen words fuel further speculation
Verstappen initially gave only 18 words across four questions about his future, including five variations of “no” or “nothing”.
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When asked directly whether he wanted to remain with Red Bull and whether he would drive for the team next season, he declined to answer in those terms.
“I don’t want to go in that direction and answer yes or no, this or that, about my future,” Verstappen said, according to L’Équipe.
“I repeat what I have already said many times: If there is something new, I will tell you myself.”
The response did not confirm that he plans to leave, but it was also notably different from an unequivocal commitment to seeing out his contract.
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McLaren talks remain unconfirmed
McLaren has emerged as the most prominent potential destination because Mercedes and Ferrari currently have fewer obvious openings.
Reports have suggested that Verstappen could replace Oscar Piastri, although neither McLaren nor Red Bull has confirmed that negotiations are taking place. Piastri and Lando Norris both have long-term contracts with the team.
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, previously dismissed suggestions that formal discussions had been held.
“There’s no truth in that. There have been no negotiations,” Vermeulen said, as quoted by PlanetF1.
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That denial concerned reported talks with McLaren. It did not amount to a guarantee that Verstappen would remain with Red Bull until 2028.
Manager says Verstappen wants to stay
Vermeulen issued another statement before the Spa media session in an attempt to clarify his driver’s intentions.
“The truth is that Max wants to complete his planned time with Red Bull,” he said. “He is under contract until 2028 and would like to fulfil it.”
However, Vermeulen has also made clear that competitiveness will influence the decision. He previously said Verstappen wanted to stay at Red Bull, but only with a car capable of winning.
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That condition has become increasingly significant during a difficult 2026 campaign. Verstappen arrived at Spa seventh in the drivers’ championship after suffering three retirements, while Red Bull has fallen behind the leading teams.
Exit clauses keep future uncertain
The existence of performance-related clauses in Verstappen’s contract has been reported by several outlets, although the precise terms have not been publicly confirmed by the driver or Red Bull.
According to ESPN, the contract contains provisions that could allow Verstappen to leave before 2028 if certain competitive targets are not met.
Reports differ over exactly when those clauses can be activated and which championship position is required. Those details should therefore not be presented as established fact.
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What is clear is that Verstappen’s long-term contract does not completely remove the possibility of an early departure.
Piastri responds to speculation
Piastri said he had seen the reports but remained comfortable with his position at McLaren after receiving reassurances from chief executive Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella.
“Maybe Max isn’t in a great situation for him and he’s exploring various options,” the Australian said. “It was the same thing last year with him and Mercedes. It’s nothing new.”
Verstappen also stressed that his relationship with Red Bull remained strong, describing the team as a “second family”. He has raced for the organization since joining Toro Rosso in 2015 and has driven for the senior Red Bull team since 2016.
Red Bull must provide a winning car
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen is ultimately connected to performance rather than the length of his contract.
He has won all four of his world championships with Red Bull, but the team’s decline has left him well outside the 2026 title fight. At 28, he remains one of the most valuable drivers on the grid and is unlikely to accept an extended period in the midfield.
McLaren remain a rumoured destination rather than a confirmed one. No agreement has been announced, and Verstappen’s representatives have denied that negotiations took place.
His refusal to commit publicly, however, means the speculation is unlikely to disappear. Until Verstappen announces his decision or Red Bull returns to regular winning form, every carefully chosen word will continue to be examined.
