Max Verstappen remains central to Formula 1's upcoming driver market moves as teams prepare for 2027. The Red Bull driver has signaled he will wait before committing to any new deal.
Ferrari secured Charles Leclerc with a multi-year contract extension ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. The agreement keeps the driver with the team into the next decade. Verstappen told Dutch media in Monaco that a new contract is not his priority. 'I still have two years left,' he said, adding he must first decide whether to continue beyond 2028. Red Bull expects the four-time champion to stay, citing his established environment and freedom for endurance racing. Verstappen currently sits seventh in the championship standings. Speculation also involves Mercedes and McLaren's Oscar Piastri, though both drivers hold contracts. Any move by Verstappen could trigger further changes across the grid.