Max Verstappen’s manager spotted with F1 rival after wild Red Bull exit prediction
Max Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was spotted having a heated conversation with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko after the Bahrain Grand Prix. This encounter came amidst speculation about Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, with Marko expressing concerns that Verstappen might leave the team if performance issues persist.
The Conversation’s Context
The tension between Vermeulen and Marko stemmed from Verstappen’s difficult weekend in Bahrain, where he finished sixth due to struggles with car balance and brake issues. Additionally, Red Bull faced pit-stop problems caused by a wiring loom failure, which further exacerbated the situation ¹.
Verstappen’s Response to Exit Rumors
Verstappen downplayed the rumors about his potential departure, stating he’s focused on improving the car’s performance. He emphasized that everyone in the team is working towards the same goal and that open discussions about the current situation are necessary.
Red Bull’s Stance
Team principal Christian Horner reassured that Verstappen will still be driving for Red Bull at the start of the 2026 season, describing speculation about Verstappen’s future as “noise.” Horner emphasized the team’s focus on resolving the car’s performance issues ².
Potential Destinations
Speculation about Verstappen’s future has linked him to several teams, including:
– *Aston Martin*: Rumored to be interested in Verstappen, potentially alongside Adrian Newey.
– *Mercedes*: Some speculate Verstappen could join Mercedes, although Toto Wolff hasn’t directly addressed the rumors.
– *Other Teams*: Ferrari has also been mentioned as a potential destination ³ ¹.
