Jul.31 (GMM) Max Verstappen could finally confirm at Zandvoort that he will remain with Red Bull through 2028, according to former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos.
Verstappen was again photographed holidaying with Toto Wolff and their respective partners in Sardinia, around the yachts both regularly use in the area.
However, Mercedes has not pursued the Dutchman as aggressively this year, while recent links with McLaren would require Verstappen to leave his long-time Red Bull environment to join Zak Brown’s customer-engined team alongside fellow champion Lando Norris.
Doornbos believes the realistic alternatives have now disappeared.
“In the coming month we will get some news,” he said on the Pit Talk podcast.
“The future of Max Verstappen is most likely to be announced in Zandvoort. This is the last Grand Prix in the Netherlands.”
“It’s a big moment for Red Bull to keep Max on board and be able to attach him until 2028. That’s the contract he’s already signed.”
“It is only fair to the team to say that publicly to the media and to Red Bull: I will stay with you, so that we can focus on 2027.”
“That will be an important topic of conversation.”
He believes Verstappen has now “missed the boat” for an immediate move.
“He has to stay with Red Bull,” said the Dutchman. “The alternatives have been dropped.”
“I don’t see it happening again that Mercedes is pushing for Max, as they’ve done in the past. Of course they already have the next superstar in their own team.”
Doornbos was referring to 19-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli, while he doubts Mercedes would want to place Verstappen alongside the Italian.
“Marketing-wise, that would be great, but sportingly, I think it would be a disaster to have those two guys in one team,” he said.
“If George continues to perform weakly and that becomes a problem, they can hire another second driver. Then you don’t hunt the signature of a quadruple world champion anymore.”
Former Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko also hopes Verstappen stays, although he remains unimpressed by the team’s current form.
“I’d give the team a satisfactory rating,” he told Kronen Zeitung.
“They’re not always quick.”
Marko sees clear differences from Red Bull’s successful recovery during the 2025 season. “They are not constantly fast,” said the 83-year-old Austrian.
“In addition, the collaboration between Max and his engineers does not seem to be going well either.”
He doubts Verstappen can mount another championship comeback.
“The competition from McLaren and Ferrari is too big for that,” said Marko. “The car is too unstable.”
“I certainly wouldn’t dare to make a bet on this.”
Finally, when asked where Verstappen will drive in the future, Marko admitted he does not know.
“I really sincerely hope he stays.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES