(GMM) Jos Verstappen (pictured) has bluntly rejected Dutch reports that his son Max Verstappen is preparing to recommit to Red Bull for 2027 while negotiating a richer contract without an exit clause.<\/p>\n
Red Bull is reportedly willing to increase the four-time world champion\u2019s salary in exchange for removing the clause that could allow him to leave before his current deal expires at the end of 2028.<\/p>\n
But when the report was shared on X, Jos replied: \u201cYou know absolutely nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Separately, German journalist Ralf Bach nevertheless believes Verstappen is leaning towards staying rather than risking a move during Formula 1\u2019s new regulatory era.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a little disappointed at the moment because I think the Verstappen side is leaning towards not taking the risk of moving,\u201d he told f1-insider.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cInstead, they may try to get another one-year deal with Red Bull to see how next year develops. They genuinely trust people whom I would not trust to produce a competitive car again next year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen it could become another wasted year. So I fear he will stay at Red Bull.\u201d<\/p>\n Bach said McLaren remains an unlikely destination because it uses Mercedes customer engines.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is some mistrust regarding McLaren because it is a customer of the Mercedes works engine, and people think Mercedes will always have advantages with software and similar areas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I think they should take the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was again photographed holidaying near Verstappen in Sardinia, but Bach believes Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius has effectively closed that door.<\/p>\n