David Coulthard does not expect Max Verstappen to make an announcement about leaving Red Bull during the Formula 1 summer break. For the former driver, the team’s performance and the bond built by the Dutchman throughout the journey are enough factors to keep him on the team.
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Verstappen’s future has once again become one of the most talked-about topics in the category with the approach of the F1 2026 “silly season”. According to reports, the four-time world champion would have an exit clause in his contract with Red Bull if he is outside the top-2 in the Drivers’ Championship during the summer break.
Rumors point to possible moves to teams like McLaren and Mercedes. Toto Wolff, in fact, did not rule out a future formation of the German team with Kimi Antonelli and Verstappen. The driver, however, avoided publicly confirming his long-term commitment to Red Bull.
In an interview with the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard was asked if he had any insider information about the situation. The former driver, who retired at the end of 2008 and currently works as a Red Bull ambassador and commentator, said: “I don’t ask, frankly, because in this context, it’s none of my business.”
Coulthard explained that his understanding is that Verstappen remains involved with the team’s project. “My instinct is that there is enough performance, and he has also been part of this journey from the beginning. So, I don’t think there will be this kind of shocking announcement, like Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes to go to Ferrari, coming from Max.”
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The Scot also highlighted that he believes in the driver’s willingness to help Red Bull overcome recent problems. “I believe there is a willingness on his part to solve the problems they have been facing.”
Despite acknowledging that the team is still seeking wins, Coulthard recalled that Verstappen comes from two consecutive podiums, with second places in Austria and Hungary, his best results in F1 so far: “I don’t see any big news coming out of Red Bull or Max during the summer break.”
According to Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, the driver’s goal is to end his Formula 1 career with Red Bull, provided the team can provide a competitive car. The team itself understands that returning to winning would be the main way to dispel doubts about the four-time world champion’s future.
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