AUGUST 3, 2026

Jos Verstappen slams claims about Max's next move

Jos Verstappen has bluntly rejected Dutch reports that Max Verstappen is preparing to recommit to Red Bull for 2027 while negotiating a richer contract without an exit clause.

Red Bull is reportedly willing to increase the four-time world champion's salary in exchange for removing the clause that could allow him to leave before his current deal expires at the end of 2028.

But when the report was shared on X, Jos replied: You know absolutely nothing.

Separately, German journalist Ralf Bach nevertheless believes Verstappen is leaning towards staying rather than risking a move during Formula 1's new regulatory era.

I'm a little disappointed at the moment because I think the Verstappen side is leaning towards not taking the risk of moving, he told f1-insider.com.

Instead, they may try to get another one-year deal with Red Bull to see how next year develops. They genuinely trust people whom I would not trust to produce a competitive car again next year.

Then it could become another wasted year. So I fear he will stay at Red Bull.

Bach said McLaren remains an unlikely destination because it uses Mercedes customer engines.

There is some mistrust regarding McLaren because it is a customer of the Mercedes works engine, and people think Mercedes will always have advantages with software and similar areas.

But I think they should take the risk.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was again photographed holidaying near Verstappen in Sardinia, but Bach believes Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius has effectively closed that door.

As long as Kallenius is there, there is no place for Verstappen, he said.

He is an absolute Antonelli supporter. In public Mercedes videos for employees, he even uses Antonelli as an example of how people should behave.

Meanwhile, Verstappen himself rejected suggestions that Red Bull must rebuild following the departures of several senior figures.

I wouldn't call it a rebuild, he told formula.hu.

There's really nothing to rebuild because the team has a very strong structure that continues to work.

It's not that some people left and now nobody knows what to do. It's not a rebuild, it's just fine-tuning.

Verstappen again described Red Bull as his second family.

I really like working with the people here. I always want the best. They want the best too, and we are constantly working to get as close to perfection as possible.

But it is difficult. Formula 1 is an extremely competitive environment.

(GMM)