- Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has dismissed claims that recent staff departures will accelerate Max Verstappen's exit from the team.
- Verstappen's long-term race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is set to join McLaren from 2028, following a series of other high-profile Red Bull staff departures.
- Despite a contract until 2028, Verstappen has expressed strong disapproval of the upcoming 2026 F1 regulations and previously considered quitting the sport.
- Reports suggest Verstappen has a contractual clause allowing him to leave if he is not within the top two in the championship standings by the summer break.
- Mekies acknowledged the loss of talent but emphasised Red Bull's commitment to fostering a positive working environment to retain staff.
IN FULL
Red Bull F1 chief speaks out on Max Verstappen’s future: ‘Absolutely not’
