A Formula 1 team principal has announced the team’s interest in Red Bull Racing superstar Max Verstappen.
Verstappen, 28, has already secured his place in the sport’s rich history, having won four world titles on the bounce.
Despite facing an uphill battle throughout the 2025 season, the Dutchman has managed to push McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri all the way.
With just three races left in the current campaign, Verstappen has a slim chance of defending his title as he trails Norris by 49 points.
Over the last few months, Verstappen has constantly been linked with a move away from Red Bull, over fears of the Milton Keynes-based team’s inability to match the Dutchman’s ambitions.
However, the man himself confirmed earlier in the year that he will be driving for the team in 2026.
Max Verstappen has previously been linked with a move away from Red Bull. Image: Getty
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s Red Bull future beyond 2026 remains uncertain, and one team has announced an interest in signing the four-time world champion.
Speaking at the launch of their F1 project, the team principal of Audi, who will be taking over the Stake F1 Team, stated his interest in Verstappen.
As per Racing News 365, Jonathan Wheatley, who worked with Verstappen at Red Bull, said: “Yes, I want Max Verstappen to drive our car. What kind of team principal would I be if I didn’t want that?
“I’m in the fortunate position of having been friends with Max for a long time, but also with his father, Jos, and manager, Raymond.”
However, Wheatley did say that Audi will not be able to lure Verstappen to the team this early in their F1 adventure.
He added: “And such a friendship develops because you’re always honest and you never betray the trust you’ve built.
“But I don’t think that’s enough right now to directly link Verstappen to a Formula 1 seat at Audi.”
Audi unveiled a concept car ahead of their F1 debut in 2026. Image: Getty
Ahead of 2026, it has been confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will drive for Audi.
F1 will enter a brand new era from 2026 as new regulations are set to be introduced.
Speaking about next year, Verstappen has claimed that there are many question marks surrounding the cars.
He said: “For next year, there are so many question marks in general about the car, the engine, besides forcing a two-stop, so there are a lot of unknowns.”
F1 returns next weekend with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
