Overview

• Manager Raymond Vermeulen told De Telegraaf that Verstappen’s future beyond next year depends on having machinery to win, calling 2026 a decisive season.
• He confirmed Verstappen will stay with Red Bull for 2026 as Formula 1 introduces new chassis and power-unit regulations.
• Red Bull’s first in-house power unit developed with Ford support, alongside the 2026 car, is cited as the core performance test the team must pass.
• Widely reported contract terms include performance-related exit options—understood to reference a summer-break position threshold—and clauses that tilt further in Verstappen’s favor approaching 2028.
• Vermeulen said “everyone’s calling everyone,” name-checking Toto Wolff’s contact with Charles Leclerc, and highlighted Red Bull’s tolerance of Verstappen’s GT and sim racing as an important factor for the driver.