Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has stated that Max Verstappen’s management would be remiss if they were not actively exploring alternative team options for the four-time champion. This assessment follows reports of Verstappen’s representatives engaging in discussions with McLaren. Button’s comments highlight the increasing speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until the end of the 2028 season. However, a performance-based exit clause is understood to be active. This clause permits him to depart if he is not positioned within the top two of the Drivers’ Championship by the summer break.
Currently, Verstappen sits seventh in the championship standings. This position mathematically confirms the activation of his exit clause, intensifying the ongoing driver market discussions.
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has held talks with McLaren regarding potential future opportunities. Despite these discussions, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly maintained that the team has no intention of altering its current driver lineup.
Further complicating Verstappen’s situation is the confirmed departure of his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. Lambiase is set to join McLaren in 2028 as Chief Racing Officer.
Reports indicate that Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Waché, is allegedly withholding confidential information from Lambiase. This is attributed to Lambiase’s impending move to a rival team.
Button suggested that the significant personnel changes at Red Bull, including the exits of Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, may contribute to Verstappen feeling isolated within the team.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently confirmed that Christian Horner, who departed Red Bull in 2025, is expected to return to Formula 1. Ben Sulayem stated, ‘He will get back. Where is not for me to say – even if I know. It is for him to say.’
Horner has been linked with several teams, including Alpine, Audi, and Aston Martin, as he considers his next role in the sport. His return would mark another significant shift in the F1 paddock.
Red Bull Racing has faced performance challenges this season, including recurring rear wing failures on Verstappen’s car. These issues contributed to his retirement from the British Grand Prix.
Verstappen has expressed low expectations for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. He anticipates extreme energy management will be a critical factor due to the circuit’s characteristics.
The FIA has introduced a notable technical change for the Belgian Grand Prix this year. Five ‘Straight Modes’ zones, allowing active aerodynamics, will be available at Spa-Francorchamps for the first time.
This high number of active aero zones will significantly impact car setup and energy deployment strategies. It presents a new challenge for teams navigating the 7.004-kilometre circuit.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin is preparing a substantial chassis and aerodynamic upgrade package for the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month. This will be followed by a Honda power unit update at Zandvoort.
Adrian Newey, Aston Martin’s managing technical partner, confirmed the AMR26 upgrades. These include significant weight reduction, revised rear suspension, and a new nose assembly.
‘If his management weren’t asking around, they’re not doing their job properly,’ Button told Sky F1. ‘They should be asking around.’
Former team principal Günther Steiner has suggested that Verstappen may regret not having left Red Bull last year. This aligns with the current climate of uncertainty.
