Former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has declined to disclose details of a private meeting with Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen. The meeting, which took place in Amsterdam following the British Grand Prix, has intensified speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1.
Dutch journalist Erik van Haren shared a photograph of Marko, Verstappen Sr., and Vermeulen together in the Dutch capital. When questioned about the nature of the conversation, Marko stated, ‘My visit was private, if that’s what you want to ask.’
Marko, who was instrumental in bringing Max Verstappen into the Red Bull programme, retired from his official duties with Red Bull at the end of 2025. Despite this, he maintains a close personal relationship with the Verstappen family. Asked about Max Verstappen’s plans for the 2027 season, Marko responded, ‘No idea. I am not in charge anymore.’
The meeting occurred days after reports surfaced that Max Verstappen is in advanced discussions to potentially leave Red Bull for McLaren for the 2027 F1 season. Verstappen is currently contracted with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2028 season.
However, his contract is widely understood to contain a performance-based exit clause. This clause would permit him to depart for 2027 if he is not positioned within the top two of the Drivers’ Championship standings by the summer break.
Following his retirement from the British Grand Prix, Verstappen currently sits seventh in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with 76 points. With only the Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix remaining before the summer shutdown, it is mathematically impossible for him to reach second place, currently held by George Russell with 154 points.
Reports from PlanetF1.com indicated that Verstappen and McLaren are in the closing stages of negotiations. This has led to significant discussion within the paddock regarding a potential high-profile driver transfer.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly addressed the rumours, stating that the team is ‘not in the market’ for Verstappen, citing existing multi-year contracts for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Brown acknowledged that ‘the phone rings often’ but maintained McLaren’s current driver lineup.
Further fuelling the speculation is the confirmed move of Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, to McLaren as chief racing officer no later than 2028. This development has been seen by some as a potential precursor to Verstappen’s own move.
Verstappen has expressed increasing frustration with Red Bull’s performance during the 2026 season. He experienced rear-wing failures at both the British and Austrian Grands Prix, describing the situation as ‘super dangerous.’ He has also been critical of the 2026 regulations and the RB22 car, stating, ‘I’m not having fun at all. I feel empty.’
Red Bull is currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who took over in mid-2025, has indicated that the team is ‘paying the price’ for prioritising the development of the 2025 car, which impacted the 2026 challenger. Reports also suggest Red Bull is frustrated with Verstappen’s perceived lack of loyalty after he reportedly declined an offer to buy out his exit clause.
The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, followed by the Hungarian Grand Prix, will precede the summer break, a period often associated with driver market developments.
