Verstappen's manager gives update on the four-time world champion's future

Max Verstappen's future has once again become one of the hottest topics in the Formula 1 paddock. Following the British Grand Prix, reports suggesting the reigning world champion could leave Red Bull gathered momentum, with some insiders even claiming McLaren was emerging as his most likely destination.

However, Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has firmly dismissed those claims. Speaking to Austrian outlet OE24, he insisted that the Dutch driver has no plans to leave the Milton Keynes-based team.

"A lot is being written. But the truth is that Max wants to finish his stint at Red Bull. He has a contract through 2028 and wants to see it out," Vermeulen said.

Over the past few weeks, numerous theories have circulated regarding Verstappen's future. While some paddock sources were convinced a switch to McLaren was on the cards, other credible scenarios pointed towards him remaining with Red Bull. Vermeulen's latest comments strongly reinforce that outcome.

Fresh speculation was also sparked after Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf published photographs of Vermeulen, Jos Verstappen and former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko meeting in Amsterdam. The gathering was widely portrayed as a secret meeting to discuss Verstappen's future.

Vermeulen rejected that interpretation.

"That was a private appointment that had been planned for a long time. Moreover, Max's sister got married," he explained.

Attention has also focused on the exit clause in Verstappen's contract, which is reportedly available to activate if he is outside the top two in the championship before the summer break. But Vermeulen stressed that having such a clause does not automatically mean it will be used.

"The fact that this clause exists doesn't mean we'll use it. We could have done so in recent years as well, but we didn't," he added.