Max Verstappen F1 future options outlined as 'discussions' ongoing

Max Verstappen has been told of three options that are a possibility for him for the 2027 F1 season.

The Dutchman has a contract in place with Red Bull until the end of 2028, however it is believed there are performance clauses in his deal that could allow him to leave early.

Verstappen has not yet formally verified his spot on the grid next year, leading to speculation over where he could end up.

While remaining at Red Bull seems the most likely option, former F1 driver Gerhard Berger believes talks with other squads are ongoing.

“At the moment, there’s a lot of gossip going on, a lot of discussions going on,” Berger told F1. 

“Of course, Max needs to see if there is any possibility for him to continue to win the World Championship, already next year. 

“So, that always makes discussions – one of them is McLaren, one of them is Mercedes, one of them is Red Bull. That’s the typical thing at this time of year.”

Verstappen has been left unhappy with the performance of the Red Bull car this year and its balance issues.

It is the only team inside the top four that is yet to take a grand prix victory this year.

Berger has suggested Verstappen will be more inclined not to jump ship if Red Bull returns from the summer break in improved form.

“After the summer break, we will see if Red Bull have fixed their reliability issues, if teams bring a couple of modifications, and who in the second half of the season is the frontrunner,” he said.

“All that we want to see, and what the fans want to see, is three or four teams on a similar level – and that everybody has a chance to win.”