Max Verstappen's contract runs through 2028, but that hasn't stopped the paddock from gaming out his next move. The four-time champion's camp made the rounds this winter — McLaren got a call, though Norris and Piastri have those seats locked. Mercedes was in the mix last year before Verstappen committed to Red Bull for 2027. Ferrari's driver pairing is set, and with Antonelli and Russell both signed at Mercedes, the top four teams are effectively closed for business.

That leaves Red Bull as Verstappen's best bet unless a seat opens mid-cycle at a frontrunner. His management did what any competent operation does: surveyed the field, confirmed what everyone suspected, and bought time. The real question isn't 2027 — it's whether Red Bull can give him a car worth staying for. If the RB19's dominance proves to be the outlier, not the new normal, this conversation gets louder fast.

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