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Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen's manager, has clarified the Dutch driver's current plans for his Formula 1 future.
Vermeulen sought to quell speculation surrounding the four-time world champion, insisting that Verstappen intends to honor his contract with Red Bull despite ongoing rumors linking him with a departure from the team. Questions about Verstappen's future have intensified in recent weeks as Red Bull continues to navigate a challenging season.
The 28-year-old driver is in his 11th season with the Milton Keynes-based squad, but appears to be heading for his least successful campaign since joining the team. The British Grand Prix proved particularly disappointing for Verstappen, whose race was derailed after the innovative rotating rear wing on his RB22 suffered damage for the second consecutive race weekend. He ultimately ended up in the gravel, and his post-race frustration only fueled further speculation about his long-term future.
These rumors gained even more traction when Vermeulen and Verstappen's father, Jos, were spotted meeting with former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko in Amsterdam a week later. However, speaking to Austrian publication OE24, Vermeulen downplayed the significance of the meeting.
"It was a private meeting that had been arranged a long time ago," he explained, corroborating Marko's account. "Besides, Max's sister got married."
Vermeulen also commented on Verstappen's plans beyond the current season, making it clear that the 71-time Formula 1 race winner has no intention of leaving Red Bull before his current contract expires.
"A lot is being written about it," he said. "But the truth is, Max wants to complete his tenure at Red Bull. He has a contract until 2028 and would like to fulfill it. The fact that this clause (for early departure) exists doesn't mean we will activate it. We could have activated it in recent years, but we haven't," Vermeulen added.
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