David Coulthard, a Red Bull stalwart, has said he cannot see Max Verstappen dropping a bombshell exit announcement this summer. The Dutchman's future has been one of the major storylines of the Formula 1 season, with his contract allowing him to leave due to unmet performance clauses.
Verstappen's Options and Links
While Toto Wolff has said there is no room at Mercedes, he recently admitted he would not be afraid to bring in Verstappen to pair him with teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen has also been strongly linked with McLaren, given his long-serving race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is heading there.
Coulthard, who knows Verstappen better than most in the F1 paddock as a Red Bull Racing ambassador, said he has not quizzed his colleague about his plans. However, he believes the most likely outcome is that Verstappen will stay.
Coulthard's Gut Feeling
"I don't ask, quite frankly, because in that context, it wouldn't be my business," he said on the Up To Speed podcast. "My gut [feeling] is that there's enough performance, and also he's been part of that journey right from the very beginning. So I don't think there is this sort of 'Lewis Hamilton shock leaving Mercedes [and] going to Ferrari' announcement coming from Max."
"I think that there is a willingness there to want to sort out the issues that they've been experiencing. And, let's be honest, the last two races were two podium races. Okay, maybe not victories, and that's why they all exist, to try to win. [But] I don't see any big news coming out of Red Bull or Max during the summer break."
"Someone will have some news, because they will want to take advantage of, let's say, an eager audience during the two-week break. So there might be a major sponsor or something being announced but, other than that, I think we're left with the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as the one for us all to work out."
Manager's Stance and Current Season
Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, recently said his client's preferred choice would be to see out his entire F1 career with Red Bull. However, that came with the caveat that he must be provided with a winning car, which is not the current situation.
Verstappen remains winless so far in 2026 after the first 11 rounds of what will be a 23-race season. He is sixth in the drivers' championship with 109 points, including four podium finishes, and is 110 points behind championship leader Antonelli. All five drivers ahead of him have won at least one Grand Prix this year.
