Max Verstappen's decision on Red Bull future 'closer and closer' as press conference 'planned'

A major update on Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull has been delivered, with rumours of a potential press conference around the Belgian Grand Prix.

Verstappen has been crowned world champion in the last four Formula One seasons in a dominant run but is already a significant distance between him and McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the 2025 Driver's Standings.

At the halfway point, the Dutchman has accrued 165 points after winning two races. Sitting in third, he finds himself 61 points behind Norris and 69 adrift of leader Piastri after a disappointing run on the grid.

Verstappen's frustrations with the condition and performance of his car have been clear and the messy situation at Red Bull was compounded by the sacking of Christian Horner in the mid-season break.

Insider reveals what he's heard about Max Verstappen's future

Rumours of a stunning switch to Mercedes have been rife and Viaplay commentator Nelson Valkenburg provided new insight into the situation on the Nailing the Apex podcast.

"Red Bull's in a difficult spot here, because they have a contract, they cannot renegotiate," Valkenburg said.

"The only thing they need to prove to Verstappen is that they can build a car that he can become a champion with next year. And that's where the doubt is."

Speculation about Max Verstappen's situation at Red Bull has been rife. Image: Getty

He added: "And over the last few years, race by race by race, Verstappen seems to have lost confidence in the technical team, the design team within Red Bull. Not the race team, not the people trying to get the most out of the car, but really the design team."

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 and has an £87 million buy-out clause. Speculation of Verstappen linking up with Toto Wolff as only increased with a lack of movement when it comes to new deals for Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

And Valkenburg revealed that the situation with Verstappen could become even clearer next week, as there is talk of a press conference at the Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix.

"They're getting closer and closer. And we've been hearing rumblings that we might have to prepare for some sort of press event in Spa.," he continued.

"But that's very much... it is so unconfirmed. It's one of those rumors that I'll wait and see."

The insider went on claim that "a lot of people around Verstappen" are in favour of the change after spending his entire F1 career with Red Bull, with Valkenburg claiming he is personally onboard and thinks it would be "incredibly cool" to see Verstappen try to replicate his success in another environment".

Verstappen's deal expires in 2028. Image: Getty

The 13th Grand Prix of the season nicks off next weekend, with Verstappen hoping to build on a fifth-placed finish in rainy conditions at Silverstone last time out.