Max Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has warned Red Bull that its 2026 package must be competitive if it is to retain the four-time world champion.

Of course, other than having to sort out its car, the Austrian team has the added challenge of now being its own engine supplier, a factor that many fear could prove its undoing.

While Verstappen, who has a contract until the end of 2028, is now settled at Red Bull for next season, Vermeulen warns that there is no guarantee that he will remain after that.

"It would be a fantastic story if he were to drive his entire Formula 1 career for Red Bull," he tells De Telegraaf. "But that will only happen if he has the equipment to be able to win.

"Next year it's not only about the engine, but also about the chassis," he adds. "And which people are brought in here, what impact will that have? It's like putting together a puzzle."

That last comment is interesting, because, along with Jos Verstappen, Vermeulen is believed to have been responsible for the ousting of Christian Horner.

"That's why the conclusion was that it's better to stay at least one more year," Vermeulen continues. "Max wants to win more championships in the future. He's not done in that regard, but he is dependent on the equipment. So I think 2026 will be a very important year, one that will determine where his future lies in Formula 1."

Other than publicly applying pressure to Red Bull, Vermeulen is making clear to rival teams that Verstappen might be available and there would be no end of potential takers - if only based on his recent performances.

It is also likely to further delay an 'announce' from Mercedes in terms of a long-term contract for George Russell.

Then again, if the Adrian Newey Aston Martin proves successful out of the box, according to the man himself, Fernando Alonso is merely keeping the seat warm for his Dutch rival.

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