David Coulthard does not expect Max Verstappen to announce his departure from Red Bull during Formula 1’s summer break. For the former pilot, the team’s performance and the bond the Dutch driver has built with the project over the years are enough to keep him with the squad.
Verstappen’s future has again become one of the sport’s most debated topics as the 2026 F1 “silly season” approaches. Reports suggest that the four-time champion would have a release clause in his Red Bull contract if he finishes outside the top two of the Drivers’ Championship during the summer recess.
Rumors point to potential moves to teams like McLaren and Mercedes. Toto Wolff even hinted at a possible future pairing of the German squad with Kimi Antonelli and Verstappen. The driver, however, has avoided publicly committing to a long-term deal with Red Bull.
In an interview on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard was asked whether he had any insider information about the situation. The former driver, who retired at the end of 2008 and now serves as a Red Bull ambassador and commentator, stated: “I don’t ask, frankly, because in this context, that wouldn’t be my place.”
Coulthard explained that his understanding is that Verstappen remains engaged with the team’s project. “My instinct is that there’s enough performance, and he has been part of this journey from the start. So I don’t think there will be some shocking announcement, like Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes to go to Ferrari, coming from Max.”
The Scot, too, emphasized his belief in Verstappen’s willingness to help Red Bull overcome the recent troubles. “I think there’s a readiness on his part to solve the issues they’ve been facing.”
While acknowledging that the team is still chasing victories, Coulthard noted that Verstappen has just secured two consecutive podiums, with runner-up finishes in Austria and Hungary—his best results in F1 to date: “I don’t foresee any major news coming from Red Bull or Max during the summer break.”
According to Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, the aim for the driver is to end his Formula 1 career with Red Bull, provided the team can supply a competitive car. The team itself understands that returning to winning ways would be the primary path to dispel any doubts about the four-time champion’s future.
