started · updated
Max Verstappen expected to confirm Red Bull stay at Zandvoort
Former driver Robert Doornbos says Max Verstappen will likely announce his contract extension with Red Bull at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, confirming a deal that runs through 2028. Doornbos added that realistic alternatives for the four‑time world champion have disappeared and that Mercedes is not aggressively pursuing him this season.
Red Bull has also outlined forthcoming technical regulation changes – shifting the power‑unit split to 58:42 from the current 53:47 for the 2027‑2028 period – a move Stefano Domenicali says is intended to keep Verstappen in Formula 1. Helmut Marko echoed the hope that Verstappen remains with the Austrian team. Recent 2026 season data show the champion’s performance slipping to its lowest levels in a decade, fueling speculation about his future.
Overall, the consensus among insiders is that an official announcement at Zandvoort will cement Verstappen’s stay with Red Bull and allow the team to focus on the 2027 season.
Entities
Helmut Marko · Max Verstappen · Mercedes · Red Bull Racing · Robert Doornbos · Stefano Domenicali · Zandvoort
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Max Verstappen will announce his contract extension with Red Bull at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. gong.bg · motorcyclesports.net · motorsport.nextgen-auto.com · f1wm.pl · sportal.bg
- [DISPUTED] Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs through 2028. gong.bg · motorcyclesports.net · motorsport.nextgen-auto.com · f1wm.pl · sportal.bg
- [● 5 SOURCES] Mercedes is not aggressively pursuing Verstappen this year. gong.bg · motorcyclesports.net · motorsport.nextgen-auto.com · f1wm.pl · sportal.bg
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the 2026 season Verstappen scored 109 points, 4 podiums and 0 wins, his lowest tallies since 2017‑2018. www.sportskeeda.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Stefano Domenicali said the rule changes are intended to keep Verstappen in Formula 1. sportowefakty.wp.pl
- [● 5 SOURCES] Robert Doornbos said realistic alternatives for Verstappen have disappeared. gong.bg · motorcyclesports.net · motorsport.nextgen-auto.com · f1wm.pl · sportal.bg
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Red Bull plans to change the power‑unit split to 58:42 for 2027‑2028 to reduce electric‑motor effect. sportowefakty.wp.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Helmut Marko expressed hope that Verstappen will stay with Red Bull. motorsport.nextgen-auto.com · f1wm.pl