Max Verstappen’s future could be decided before the summer break, says manager. Raymond Vermeulen hints at early decision on Max Verstappen’s future.

Vermeulen speaks about Verstappen’s future

“We have a contract until 2028. Of course, there are exit clauses, but they have always been there and we have never exercised one. We have always been loyal and will remain loyal.”

Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager, left little room for interpretation when discussing the reigning world champion’s contractual situation in an interview with Bild.

Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future, Vermeulen’s comments suggest that the Dutch driver would prefer to remove uncertainty as quickly as possible rather than allowing the situation to drag on for months: “We want to continue our journey with Red Bull and have Max finish his career here. But naturally, only if there is the opportunity to win. We would like the decision to be made soon so that everyone knows where things stand. It could even happen before the summer break.”

Renewal or a buyout of the exit clause?

One possible interpretation of Vermeulen’s remarks is that discussions may be linked to Red Bull’s reported desire to eliminate the exit clause currently included in Verstappen’s contract.

According to Bild, Max Verstappen has already rejected an initial attempt by Red Bull to negotiate a contract extension. If that report is accurate, the team may now be exploring alternative ways to secure the long-term commitment of its four-time world champion.

That leaves Red Bull with an important challenge: convincing Verstappen that the team has the potential to return to the front of Formula 1 after a difficult start to the season.

The first opportunity to send that message could come at Red Bull’s home race, the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. The team is expected to introduce significant upgrades to the RB22, hoping to close the gap to its rivals and strengthen its case for keeping Verstappen committed to the project.

Whether the solution comes in the form of a new agreement, a modification of the existing contract, or the removal of the exit clause itself, Vermeulen’s comments indicate that neither Verstappen nor Red Bull is eager to let uncertainty linger much longer.