Jenson Button believes Max Verstappen’s manager is doing exactly the right thing by exploring opportunities across the Formula 1 driver market, arguing that many contracts may not be as watertight as they appear.
Verstappen is driving the Formula 1 driver market
Max Verstappen has run out of patience. Across the opening nine races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the four-time world champion has managed just two podium finishes while enduring a string of bitter disappointments. The latest came at Silverstone, where a technical failure sent him into the gravel at Stowe Corner.
The Red Bull RB22 has failed to satisfy the Dutch driver, and according to the latest reports, he is even becoming increasingly isolated within Red Bull because he has yet to publicly commit his long-term future to the Milton Keynes-based team. Team ownership reportedly attempted to negotiate away the exit clause in Verstappen’s contract, a clause that he will be able to activate after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The only scenario in which that clause would become invalid is if Verstappen were to be running second in the Drivers’ Championship after Hungary—a mathematical possibility that is now no longer achievable.
Following the British Grand Prix, footage of the post-race debrief between Laurent Mekies and the Jos Verstappen-Raymond Vermeulen camp quickly spread around the world. It is not difficult to imagine the tone of that discussion, given that Max spent much of the weekend voicing his frustration over team radio, particularly after Red Bull chose not to follow his setup recommendations.
Jenson Button backs Verstappen’s manager
According to 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, Raymond Vermeulen is absolutely right to keep an eye on the market.
“His manager is right to be talking to other teams, and I’m sure opportunities will come up,” Button told Sky Sports UK. “Every driver seems to be under contract, but who knows how much those contracts are actually worth? Maybe not all of them are set in stone.”
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