Red Bull Racing Team Principal Laurent Mekies has indicated that other Formula 1 drivers are actively pursuing a seat alongside Max Verstappen. This comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding Verstappen’s long-term contract with the Milton Keynes-based team. Mekies assumed the role of Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing in mid-2025, succeeding Christian Horner.
Verstappen currently holds a contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2028 season. However, this agreement is understood to contain performance-based exit clauses that could allow the four-time world champion to depart earlier under specific conditions.
In an effort to secure Verstappen’s future and negate these clauses, Red Bull has reportedly presented a revised five-year contract offer, extending his commitment until 2033. This proposal includes substantial financial incentives.
Despite the offer, Verstappen is reportedly hesitant to commit to such a lengthy extension. Reports suggest he may prefer a shorter, potentially one-year, deal to evaluate Red Bull’s competitiveness under the new 2026 technical regulations and with the Red Bull Ford Powertrains unit.
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future has generated considerable interest from other top teams, including Mercedes and McLaren. The broader F1 driver market for the 2027 season remains largely influenced by Verstappen’s eventual decision.
Former Haas Team Principal Günther Steiner has commented on the situation, suggesting that despite Red Bull’s current performance challenges, there are few teams on the grid that would offer a demonstrably better prospect for Verstappen.
For the current 2026 season, Isack Hadjar is Max Verstappen’s confirmed teammate at Oracle Red Bull Racing, having been promoted from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls after an impressive 2025 rookie campaign.
However, Hadjar will be sidelined for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix this weekend due to a wrist injury sustained during a training session.
As a result of Hadjar’s injury, Liam Lawson will step up from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the Dutch Grand Prix. Yuki Tsunoda will, in turn, fill Lawson’s vacant seat at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the event.
