Former F1 driver David Coulthard has predicted that Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for the rest of his career.
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has intensified in recent months amid the Dutchman’s criticism of the 2026 F1 regulations.
However, Red Bull has allowed Verstappen to explore other ApexF1 ventures, and he has made several appearances at the Nordschleife this year, including at the Nurburgring 24 Hours last weekend.
Such activities are rare for modern F1 drivers due to the demanding nature of the current calendar.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard suggested that no other F1 team would permit Verstappen to take part in such outings.
“Whilst you’re articulating that, what it cements in my mind, if we go back a couple of podcasts ago, where we were speculating [about] Max, ‘what would he do? What’s his future?’,” he said.
“You’ve crystallised in my mind that Max will not be going anywhere. There’s no other Formula 1 team that would allow him to be Max.
“McLaren wouldn’t be able to do it, Ferrari wouldn’t be able to do it, Mercedes wouldn’t be able to do it, despite the fact he was driving a Mercedes.
“Just because of the investment that goes into the individual driver, but Red Bull do.”
Coulthard ended his F1 career as a Red Bull driver and has since served as an ambassador for the brand.
The Scotsman recalled early conversations with the late team founder Dietrich Mateschitz, stating that the ethos outlined at the time is reflected in what Verstappen is doing today.
“In fairness and in the spirit of Mr [Dietrich] Mateschitz, the founder of Red Bull, I remember when I first met him before signing to drive for the team,” Coulthard said.
“I asked him, ‘What do you expect of me?’ and he said ‘Be yourself’.
“Max is being himself. That’s why I’ll cut the speculation of a couple of weeks ago – right now, Max is staying with Red Bull for the rest of his career.”
