Max Verstappen's immediate F1 future hangs in the balance as his management team engages in talks with McLaren. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but it includes a clause allowing him to exit if he's not within the top two in the drivers' championship by August 2026.
The talks with McLaren are not about replacing Oscar Piastri for 2027, but rather about maintaining pressure on Red Bull to improve its competitive standing. Verstappen's loyalty to Red Bull is contingent upon the team's performance, and he has expressed his desire to remain with the team as long as it can fight for titles.
Red Bull has shown significant improvement since the Austrian Grand Prix, with Verstappen feeling he could have won the race had he not started fifth. The team's upward performance trajectory may alleviate some pressure, but Verstappen's management is likely using the McLaren talks as leverage to secure a better deal for 2028.
