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yesterday

Red Bull Chiefs Back Verstappen’s 2028 Deal as Mercedes Talks Surface

With Mercedes recruitment talks confirmed, Red Bull’s new chiefs expect Verstappen to fulfil his contract.

Christian Horner (L) and Zak Brown in file photos. | Image: AP
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2025 in Northampton, England.
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Overview

  • Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen have confirmed that private recruitment discussions took place.
  • Despite being contracted through 2028, Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull includes performance-linked exit clauses that could be triggered this summer.
  • Following Christian Horner’s removal after the British Grand Prix, Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies as team principal.
  • Red Bull’s RB21 has underperformed this season, renewing questions about its competitiveness under the new technical regulations planned for 2026.
  • Helmut Marko has said he expects Verstappen to stay at Red Bull, though Ralf Schumacher and Guenther Steiner have speculated he could seek a Mercedes seat or decide after 2026 regulations are introduced.