Max Verstappen Committed to Red Bull Despite Ongoing Exit Rumours
Raymond Vermeulen, the manager for four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, has dismissed mounting speculation regarding the driver’s future. He insists the Dutchman remains fully committed to Red Bull for the duration of his current agreement.
Questions about the driver’s tenure have surged during a challenging season for the Milton Keynes-based squad. Verstappen, now in his 11th year with the team, appears to be facing his most difficult campaign since his arrival. The British Grand Prix proved particularly taxing after a recurring failure with the RB22’s novel rotating rear wing caused him to crash out in the gravel.
Addressing meetings and contract clauses
Discontent following the race fuelled intense rumours, which accelerated after Vermeulen and Jos Verstappen met with former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko in Amsterdam. However, Vermeulen downplayed the event when speaking to the Austrian publication OE24, noting it was a long-planned private gathering coinciding with a family wedding.
Regarding the driver’s long-term intentions, Vermeulen emphasised that the 71-time grand prix winner has no plans to exit the team before his deal expires.
«The truth is, Max wants to finish his time with Red Bull,» Vermeulen said. «He has a contract until 2028 and would like to fulfil it».
Vermeulen also addressed the specific exit clause contained within the contract, clarifying that its existence does not guarantee its use.
«The fact that this clause exists doesn’t mean we’ll activate it,» he added. «We could have activated it in recent years as well, and we haven’t».
