Max Verstappen “Wasn’t Born to Race in the Midfield”, Says Manager Amid Red Bull Speculation

• Max Verstappen’s improved performance in Austria has done little to quiet speculation over his Red Bull future, with McLaren reportedly holding preliminary discussions with his management.
• Verstappen’s manager insists the Dutchman wants to remain with Red Bull but stressed the team must provide a car capable of fighting at the front rather than in the midfield.
• Although Verstappen is contracted until the end of 2028, reported performance-related exit clauses could allow him to consider other opportunities if Red Bull’s struggles continue.

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The Austrian Grand Prix weekend saw Max Verstappen achieve his best result of the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, it also reignited speculation over his future with Red Bull Racing, with McLaren reportedly entering the conversation for the Dutchman’s signature.

Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been one of the biggest talking points throughout the season. The four-time world champion has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations, particularly the controversial 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power.

Coupled with Red Bull’s difficult start to the new regulations cycle, Verstappen has been left languishing seventh in the drivers’ championship, with just two podium finishes to his name.

Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, threw shade at the Milton Keynes-based outfit when speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

“Max wasn’t born to race in the midfield.”

“Our goal is to finish this adventure together with Red Bull,” Vermeulen added.

“The spirit of Red Bull and the spirit of Verstappen, they match. We just need a package that allows us to fight at the front. That has always been the foundation.

“We feel at home at Red Bull, but we want to be competitive.”

While speculation linking Verstappen with Mercedes has cooled in recent weeks, another Mercedes-powered team emerged as a surprise potential destination during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. The Daily Mail reported that McLaren CEO Zak Brown held preliminary talks with Vermeulen.

Asked about the rumours by Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Brown responded:

“I’d be very surprised if Lando [Norris] or Oscar [Piastri] went elsewhere, because they are very happy. Of course they have contracts, but besides that, we’re very happy with them and they are very happy here.

“If for some strange reason someone slipped on a banana peel getting out of the tub, then yeah of course, Max is a four-time world champion.”

Reigning world champion Norris is contracted to McLaren until the end of 2027, while Piastri signed a long-term extension that runs through to the conclusion of the 2028 season.

Verstappen is also contracted until the end of 2028. However, it is widely believed that performance-related exit clauses exist within his deal. Should the Dutchman not be inside the top two of the championship by an unspecified point during the August summer break, he is reportedly free to explore opportunities elsewhere.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade and is a member of the AIPS (International Sports Press Association). Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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