Max Verstappen makes cryptic comment about Red Bull future, ‘I’m not just talking about Formula 1’

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Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been in the spotlight for many months now, and his most recent comments suggest that the calibre of machinery he’s given isn’t the only thing that will help him make a final decision.

The partnership between Max Verstappen and Red Bull had looked like a match made in heaven for the majority of his F1 career.

However, a multitude of different happenings over the last 18 months have seen his loyalty to the Austrian drinks company wane, and his presence in the F1 driver market has been gigantic.

During the 2025 campaign, it emerged that Verstappen had a performance-related exit clause in his Red Bull contract that would allow him to entertain offers from other teams on the grid if he isn’t in contention for the drivers’ championship.

Mercedes have been in pole position for Verstappen’s signature since the possibility of a Red Bull exit came to light. Aston Martin have also been tipped as a possible destination for the four-time world champion.

• READ MORE: Helmut Marko thinks Max Verstappen has a ‘huge advantage’ thanks to F1’s 2026 regulations

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Max Verstappen shares a cryptic message regarding his future in F1 at Red Bull

De Telegraaf sat down with Verstappen for an interview during Red Bull’s 2026 F1 season launch and was asked about his current sentiments towards his future with the Austrian constructor.

The four-time world champion admitted that the upcoming campaign is ‘crucial’ in determining his future plans at Milton Keynes.

It has long been known that Verstappen could depart if he isn’t given a car worthy of winning races in 2026.

However, he also doesn’t want to increase the pressure on his Red Bull colleagues, adding, “I think of all the people around me, I’m the most relaxed about it. I’ll manage. It’ll all work out in the end.

“Whether there’s a chance I’ll quit entirely, even before 2029, if I don’t like the rules? Well, then everything would have to turn out very negatively.”

Verstappen ruled out a move away from Red Bull just last week, but his most recent comments with De Telegraaf suggest that truly anything could happen over the next 12 months that could determine whether he is telling the truth or not.

After being reminded of Red Bull director Oliver Mintzlaff’s comments about the Dutchman being expected to remain the flagship driver for their F1 team, Verstappen replied, “That is also the goal; I’ve always expressed that.

“I get along very well with everyone at Red Bull. I find that very important. And I’ve also always indicated that many things have to fall into place, and I’m not just talking about Formula 1.”

• READ MORE: Red Bull chief thinks Mercedes made up ‘stories’ about their 2026 engine to attract Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen flew straight to Red Bull’s launch after taking part in a GT3 test at Portimao

While the majority of other drivers on the grid have enjoyed some well-deserved rest over the winter break, Verstappen has naturally continued to hit the track in GT3 machinery.

Before the turn of the new year, Verstappen announced that his GT3 plans were getting more serious in 2026 as he continues to eye a spot on the grid for the legendary 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race.

The Dutchman began his touring car racing venture in the midst of his resurgence in the F1 title fight last year.

His most recent test took place at Portimao, a circuit that will be returning to the F1 calendar in 2027, where he got behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Verstappen then had to hop on his private jet to go straight from the Algarve to Detroit, Michigan, for Red Bull’s grand reveal.