Formula 1 in Belgium: “Everything is very frustrating” – What will happen to Max Verstappen?

Before returning to his favorite place in Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s frustration has at least subsided somewhat. “It was good to take a little break,” said the four-time world champion with a view to the Grand Prix Belgium on Sunday (3 p.m./Sky and RTL). A catastrophic weekend with a failure in the Red Bull, which was still difficult to drive, had recently made the Dutchman really angry at Silverstone. “Honestly, I hate this car,” the 28-year-old swore on Dutch television after his sobering appearance.

Instead of fighting for his fifth world title, the former dominator has had to endure ups and downs for months. “It’s all very frustrating,” he wrote Instagram. A second place in Austria was followed by another setback in Silverstone – and Verstappen’s future was promptly discussed again. An exit clause in his contract, which actually runs until the end of 2028, should make it possible for him to leave after this season. Exactly what the clause looks like has never been publicly confirmed. What seems clear, however, is that if things continue to go so badly and the car isn’t permanently improved, that’s it for Verstappen with his permanent employer.

“There is nothing to say from my side,” emphasized Verstappen at a press conference in Spa-Francorchamps about his plans for the future and was quite taciturn on the subject. He also answered further questions rather evasively: “I said there was nothing to say. If there was something new, I would say that.”

Schumacher: Verstappen doesn’t believe in the team

“I think Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull, both sides are now so far that it no longer hurts,” said Sky expert Ralf Schumacher in the podcast “Backstage Pit Lane” and spoke of a subjective feeling he had. “I think Max has lost faith in the team.” It’s the same the other way around. “In my opinion he will now sit down with McLaren.”

Speculation about a connection with the British world champion team continues, as does that that Mercedes is looking into signing Verstappen. “These are rumors,” said McLaren managing director Zak Brown: “I’m very happy with my two drivers.” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff recently asserted: “Our plan is not to change anything about the driver pairing.” The racing team wants stability.

Verstappen manager: “We were always loyal”

But: If Verstappen, the best driver of his generation, were actually available, it would be hard to resist. Even if they have to pay a high salary and sacrifice their existing staff. A place at Mercedes would probably only be available if George Russell leaves; the future belongs to the young World Cup leader Kimi Antonelli (19) with the Silver Arrows. At McLaren, Oscar Piastri (25) would probably have to give way, world champion Lando Norris is considered seeded. However, neither racing team has any real need.

It would be a catastrophe for Red Bull if Verstappen leaves. He comes from our own offspring. In 2014 he made his Formula 1 debut for the then sister team Toro Rosso, and in 2016 he was promoted to Red Bull. As the “Bild” newspaper reports, the star driver probably has until October to make use of his exit clause if he is not second in the World Championship by the summer break after the next two races. Verstappen is currently only seventh and, 103 points behind Antonelli, has no chance of moving that far forward.

“We have always been loyal and will remain so,” said Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen to “Bild”: “We would like to continue on the path with Red Bull and Max end his career here – but of course with the opportunity to win.” There is currently no clear commitment from Verstappen to Red Bull beyond the end of the year.

Best memories of Spa-Francorchamps

There was recently a meeting behind the scenes that caused unrest. Photos of a meeting between Red Bull’s former motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and the Verstappen camp in Amsterdam received much attention. What exactly was discussed? Unclear. “My visit was private,” Austrian Marko told English media. Verstappen and his closest confidant Vermeulen are also said to have met with the Red Bull leadership in Salzburg last month to talk about the future.

The 71-time Grand Prix winner Verstappen would certainly like to finally just concentrate on driving again. The classic in the Ardennes in particular has the potential to bring some joy. “We have always done well here in the past,” said Verstappen, who sensationally raced to victory from 14th place on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps four years ago and has already won three times in his country of birth.

How does Red Bull get the car under control?

Although he drives under a Dutch license like his father Jos Verstappen, Verstappen was born in Hasselt and only had Belgian citizenship until his 18th birthday. His mother is Belgian.

“Even though the weekend in Silverstone was tough, I worked with the team again in the simulator at the factory last week,” said Verstappen. The main thing is to improve the balance in the car and do something about the lack of top speed. “Embarrassing, bad,” was Verstappen’s recent conclusion about his company vehicle. A defect at the rear caused his retirement a few laps before the end of the World Championship race in England. Will everything be better at the home game with thousands of fans? “It’s my favorite track on the racing calendar and I’m always happy to go back there.”

© dpa-infocom, dpa:260716-930-392869/2