Red Bull Confirms 'Ideal' 2027 Lineup as Verstappen Future Remains in Doubt

Red Bull has identified its ideal 2027 lineup, with team advisor Laurent Mekies confirming the team wants Max Verstappen alongside rising star Isack Hadjar. While Verstappen's camp insists he wants to finish his career at Red Bull, performance-related exit clauses and his refusal to dismiss fresh McLaren links at the Belgian Grand Prix have left speculation alive.

Why it matters:

Verstappen remains the single biggest factor in Red Bull's competitive identity. Losing him would reshape the driver market and strip the team of its benchmark just as Hadjar finds his footing at the top level. Locking in both drivers would provide the continuity Red Bull desperately needs as the grid adapts to Formula 1's evolving technical landscape.

The details:

• A two-way street: Mekies noted that while rivals naturally court Verstappen, Red Bull is also fielding approaches from "good drivers" across the grid should a vacancy arise.
• Verstappen's stance: At Spa, the four-time champion refused to confirm his long-term future, stating only that he would share any news himself rather than offer reassurances.
• Exit clauses: Verstappen's contract through 2028 contains a performance clause. Falling outside the championship top two after Hungary—a scenario now confirmed—reportedly opens the door for an early departure.
• Hadjar's rise: The Frenchman has strengthened his case with six straight top-six finishes, including a recovery drive to sixth in Belgium from the back of the grid.

What's next:

Red Bull's immediate focus is proving the car can win again rather than making public appeals to Verstappen's loyalty. With the Hungary clause threshold now passed, the team faces a critical window to deliver a convincing development push before any exit clauses are activated. Hadjar's steady form at least ensures Red Bull has a credible alternative already embedded in the garage.