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via Crash'He wants to be winning' - Rachel Brookes stokes Max Verstappen Red Bull exit flamesMax Verstappen's future with Red Bull Racing has become a hot topic, particularly as the team has seen a significant departure of key personnel. Former Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes suggested that Verstappen is considering leaving the team, especially after a secret meeting with McLaren, although both McLaren and Mercedes have dismissed immediate moves for him. The ongoing struggles of Red Bull in the current regulations have intensified these speculations about Verstappen's commitment to the team.
Despite being offered a lucrative contract extension that could keep him at Red Bull until 2029, Brookes emphasized that Verstappen's desire to win races again is paramount. He has expressed frustration with the team's performance and has ruled out taking a break from racing, indicating that if he leaves, he would not return. The situation remains fluid as Verstappen weighs his options amid the team's challenges and personnel changes.
Wed 29 Jul · 12:44 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen Expected to Announce Red Bull Contract ExtensionMax Verstappen is anticipated to confirm his contract extension with Red Bull during the upcoming Zandvoort race weekend. Reports suggest that the deal could keep him with the team until 2028.+ 1 moreTue 28 Jul · 15:36 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull already weighing early switch to 2027 carRed Bull Racing is contemplating an early transition to its 2027 car due to ongoing performance issues with the current model, which Max Verstappen has openly criticized. Despite his ability to secure podium finishes, Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the car's competitiveness has led to discussions within the team about balancing development efforts between the current season and the next. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the team may need to shift focus sooner than in previous years, especially given the challenges posed by the car's narrow operating window and the pressure to improve performance.
The team has implemented numerous upgrades in an attempt to enhance the car's performance, but Mekies admitted that maintaining the current development pace may not be sustainable. Verstappen's unique sensitivity to the car's behavior has been highlighted as a significant asset, although he remains focused on winning rather than merely finishing on the podium. Teammate Isack Hadjar also expressed frustration with the car's handling and the strategic decisions made during races, indicating a broader concern within the team about their competitive standing.
via grandprix.comHadjar staying, Verstappen offered richer dealRed Bull Racing has proposed a more lucrative contract to Max Verstappen, aiming to extend his tenure until after the 2029 season and eliminate his release clause. Verstappen's current salary of around 65 million euros per year is expected to increase, and both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions about the future of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is likely to continue as Verstappen's teammate after a solid performance at the Hungarian GP, where he finished P6.
Toto Wolff of Mercedes indicated that there will be no immediate changes to their driver lineup, citing the need for car stability rather than driver changes. He acknowledged the potential appeal of a Verstappen-Antonelli pairing but emphasized satisfaction with the current dynamic between their drivers. Mekies reiterated that the team's focus remains on optimizing the car for Verstappen to ensure competitive performance.
via theguardian.comMcLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after winLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's first win of the season. His performance showcased not only his driving skills but also a notable improvement in his psychological approach, as highlighted by team principal Andrea Stella. Norris's ability to remain composed after initially dropping a position to teammate Oscar Piastri was crucial in regaining the lead and securing the win against strong competitors like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, George Russell faced challenges during the race, finishing seventh after a slow start due to technical issues. His frustrations with the season's repeated problems were evident, as he expressed a sense of resignation regarding his performance. Despite these setbacks, the focus remained on Norris's development and the promising trajectory of his career within the team.
Mon 27 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism eruptsMax Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2026 Red Bull car, describing it as aerodynamically broken and undriveable. Following his qualifying session in Hungary, Red Bull restricted his media interactions, which raised eyebrows as his teammate continued to engage with the press. Verstappen's comments highlighted ongoing issues with the car's balance and reliability, suggesting a deeper problem that needs addressing before the race.
In addition to the car concerns, Verstappen played a role in persuading Tom Hart to remain with Red Bull, where he is expected to succeed Gianpiero Lambiase as Verstappen's race engineer. This decision came after Hart was initially slated to join Williams. The situation reflects both the challenges Verstappen faces with the current car and the strategic moves within the Red Bull team regarding engineering personnel.
via grandprix.comWolff Discusses Mercedes' Future Driver Lineup PlansToto Wolff has indicated that Mercedes is not urgently seeking to sign Max Verstappen for 2027, citing the rise of Kimi Antonelli. The team is currently focused on retaining George Russell while keeping options open for future driver pairings.
via grandprix.comVerstappen cools exit talk as Red Bull form improvesMax Verstappen has addressed ongoing speculation about his future with Red Bull, emphasizing that there are no current plans for him to leave the team. He expressed satisfaction with his current situation and described Red Bull as a second family, while also acknowledging the challenges they face with the RB22 car. Despite some recent successes, he noted the need for consistent performance improvements as they continue to learn about the car's capabilities.
Verstappen also commented on the current regulations in Formula 1, stating that while he finds them frustrating, he enjoys racing and is not considering retirement at this stage. He believes that his criticisms are becoming more widely understood and that the team's performance is on an upward trend. Additionally, Red Bull is set to reintroduce a problematic rear wing at the upcoming Hungarian GP, with hopes that previous issues have been resolved.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc tops FP1, Stroll suffers suspected suspension failure with upgraded Aston MartinIn the first practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time, clocking in at 1m19.075s, which was significantly quicker than his competitors. Lance Stroll from Aston Martin faced issues with his car, experiencing a suspected rear suspension failure that led to a red flag during the session. Other teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, brought updates tailored for the high downforce requirements of the Hungaroring track.
The session also saw several rookie drivers participating, with notable performances from Frederik Vesti and Leonardo Fornaroli. Fernando Alonso managed to secure the 13th fastest time, while Carlos Sainz faced scrutiny from the stewards for his driving during the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the race weekend.
Fri 24 Jul · 12:45 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen Faces Pressure to Decide Future with Red BullMax Verstappen is reportedly under pressure to clarify his future with Red Bull before a contractual deadline. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar's position at the team for 2027 appears more secure amid ongoing speculation regarding Verstappen's plans.
via grandprix.comRed Bull names Verstappen's next race engineerRed Bull Racing has announced that Tom Hart will replace Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen's race engineer, with the transition expected to begin in 2027. Lambiase is leaving for McLaren, and Hart was initially set to join Williams before being persuaded to stay with Red Bull. This change comes amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen's future with the team, particularly regarding potential interest from McLaren.
During the recent qualifying session at Spa, Verstappen achieved a strong P2, largely due to a strategic slipstream from teammate Isack Hadjar. Verstappen acknowledged that without the tow, he would have likely qualified around P6. Meanwhile, Hadjar humorously noted that he did not expect any significant reward for his help, while McLaren's Andrea Stella indicated that any move for Verstappen would require the team to field a third car, a matter that needs higher-level discussions.
via espn.comRed Bull's Future Plans Impact Max Verstappen's Career DecisionsSpeculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull continues as discussions about the team's competitive direction unfold. Laurent Mekies emphasized that the team must provide a strong car to address concerns about Verstappen's loyalty and potential career moves.
+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 18:16 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Secures Pole Position at Belgian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes has achieved pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen. His teammate George Russell will start from fourth, while Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty.+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 15:39 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull Replaces Rear Wing Ahead of Belgian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing has decided to switch to a conventional rear wing for the Belgian Grand Prix. This change comes after recent performance issues and crashes involving driver Max Verstappen.
via grandprix.comBig money will keep Verstappen in F1 says MarkoMax Verstappen has remained tight-lipped about his future in Formula 1, especially regarding speculation linking him to McLaren. Despite reports of a strained relationship with Red Bull, he has not confirmed any changes and continues to focus on his current commitments. Dr. Helmut Marko, a retired adviser for Red Bull, downplayed the significance of recent meetings with Verstappen's family and expressed confidence that financial factors will keep Verstappen in the sport until at least 2028.
In addition to the rumors surrounding his future, Verstappen announced a collaboration with McLaren junior Dries Van Langendonck, indicating his ongoing involvement in the sport. Other drivers, including Oscar Piastri and Oliver Bearman, have commented on the shifting dynamics of the driver market, with Piastri noting the importance of understanding the situation. Overall, the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future while emphasizing the financial allure of Formula 1.
via BBC SportRed Bull to change wing after Verstappen crashesThe team had pioneered a new wing design that aimed to enhance straight-line speed by allowing the top flap to rotate more than 180 degrees. However, the aerodynamic issues encountered prompted Red Bull to revert to a more traditional wing configuration. The Belgian Grand Prix will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, and the team hopes to resolve the issues with the new wing design before its next use.
Thu 16 Jul · 12:46 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen wants to stay at Red Bull, insists managerMax Verstappen's manager has reiterated that the driver intends to remain with Red Bull, despite ongoing speculation about potential moves to other teams. The manager emphasized that Verstappen has a contract until 2028 and downplayed the significance of a performance-related exit clause that exists in his contract. The recent meeting involving Verstappen's family and team members was characterized as a private engagement, further clarifying the context of the discussions that fueled rumors about his future.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding Verstappen's recent rear wing failures, prompting Red Bull to seek closer scrutiny from the FIA on the rear wing design. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has raised questions about the unique nature of these failures, suggesting they may not be mere coincidences. Meanwhile, Gunther Steiner supports the idea that Verstappen's best option is to stay with Red Bull, noting that the team is well-suited to his driving style.
via grandprix.comBearman tipped if Verstappen leaves Red BullRalf Schumacher has suggested that if Max Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, Oliver Bearman would be the team's top choice to replace him. He also mentioned Carlos Sainz as a potential candidate but noted that Sainz has yet to demonstrate championship-winning capabilities. Schumacher expressed confidence in Bearman's potential to succeed in Formula 1 and commented on Oscar Piastri's struggles within his current team, indicating that he is not entirely satisfied with his situation at McLaren.
Schumacher cautioned Verstappen against becoming overly involved in the ongoing transfer rumors and speculated that a recent meeting involving Verstappen's management was more focused on his future rather than a potential return of Dr. Helmut Marko. He believes that Red Bull has transitioned under Laurent Mekies and that Verstappen's camp may not fully appreciate Marko's significant role in the team's success. Overall, the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future and the potential implications for Red Bull Racing.
via grandprix.comVerstappen options narrow as Webber shuts down rumoursMax Verstappen's future in Formula 1 is becoming increasingly uncertain as speculation about a potential move to McLaren has been firmly denied by Oscar Piastri's manager, Mark Webber. Piastri, who is contracted to McLaren, emphasized his commitment to the team and dismissed the rumors as distractions. Meanwhile, Verstappen's recent criticisms of Red Bull following technical issues have raised questions about his exit clause and future options within the team.
Former drivers and analysts have weighed in on the situation, with some suggesting that Verstappen is unlikely to leave Red Bull, especially given the team's recent restructuring and the performance of other drivers like Kimi Antonelli. The dynamics within Red Bull and the driver market are complex, with Webber actively seeking opportunities for Piastri while maintaining that it does not involve Verstappen's situation. The coming months are expected to be crucial in determining Verstappen's next steps.Page 18 of 19