Red Bull director considering ‘huge’ Max Verstappen decision to avoid 2026 F1 exit after ‘crisis’ manager talks

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Max Verstappen couldn’t have envisioned a worse home race for Red Bull at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Red Bull have been pinning all of their hopes on Max Verstappen for years, but the Austrian Grand Prix was the perfect example of what happens when the Dutchman’s race doesn’t go to plan.

An unfortunately timed yellow flag meant Verstappen could only qualify seventh, and for the first time since the 2021 British Grand Prix, the 27-year-old didn’t complete the first lap.

It was another Mercedes, this time Andrea Kimi Antonelli instead of Lewis Hamilton, who ended Verstappen’s race on this occasion, although the crash was far less dramatic.

Yuki Tsunoda couldn’t pick up the slack in the second Red Bull car, finishing last and giving team principal Christian Horner a serious dilemma to solve.

David Coulthard thinks Tsunoda is suffering from the same issue as Sergio Perez at Red Bull, and while there is an expectation that Tsunoda will lose his race seat at the end of the season, Verstappen’s future is far more pressing.

Verstappen’s contract expires at the end of 2028, but he has options on the table if he doesn’t think Red Bull are holding up their end of the bargain.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen’s manager demands ‘crisis’ talks with Red Bull chief after the Austrian Grand Prix

Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, revealed the complaints his son had during the race weekend, but it was the four-time world champion’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, who was present at the track.

As per the Dutch outlet De Limburger, Vermeulen made his feelings clear to Red Bull about their underperformance in the paddock.

There were ‘crisis conversations’ at the track after the pointless weekend, with Vermeulen demanding a meeting with sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff.

The pair were seen talking just a stone’s throw away from Horner while he was addressing the press, with McLaren’s superiority said to be the main topic of conversation.

It’s believed that Red Bull’s top management are going to do ‘everything’ to stop Verstappen from moving on.

They suggest that it’s ‘not impossible’ that Mintzlaff will ‘put a huge bag of money on the table’ to convince Verstappen that staying at Red Bull is the correct option.

However, it’s believed that it is ‘seriously doubtful’ that this tactic is going to work in discussions with the Dutchman’s team in the long run.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Helmut Marko unconcerned by Max Verstappen exit rumours

One of the people who would be tasked with replacing Verstappen if he decided to leave is chief advisor Helmut Marko.

Marko has spent decades preparing drivers for Formula 1, but the list of drivers who have represented Red Bull is very hit and miss.

For every Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, there are the likes of Robert Doornbos who didn’t quite hit the mark.

Marko is unconcerned with Verstappen leaving Red Bull after the Austrian Grand Prix.

That’s despite Verstappen potentially having a Red Bull get-out clause that could activate in the coming weeks.

The likes of Mercedes and Aston Martin are sniffing around and will go all-out to sign Verstappen if he indicates he’s willing to leave.

Vermeulen’s action in the Red Bull Ring paddock suggests that something needs to change to avoid the ‘total collapse’ the report suggests is on the horizon.