Max Verstappen has confirmed that he discussed McLaren before committing his future to Red Bull, but the picture is not as closed as a two-year contract extension might first suggest. Speaking before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the reigning Formula 1 star explained that Red Bull's lack of competitiveness in 2026 and its new direction under the engine rules were central to the conversation.
The key point is simple: Verstappen is still tied to Red Bull until the end of 2030, but the deal includes performance clauses. That means the contract does not fully shut the door on a future move if Red Bull cannot provide him with a car capable of fighting at the front again.
McLaren talks were part of the discussion
Verstappen said there had been conversations with McLaren while his future was being considered. That alone is enough to underline how seriously the market situation was taken, even after he signed a two-year contract extension.
It is also a reminder that top drivers do not make decisions in isolation from performance. When the car is not right, every leading team becomes part of the conversation, especially one that can offer a clearer route back to title contention.
Verstappen made it clear that Red Bull's current form is not at the level he wants. He said: "Of course it's not where I want to be, but as a team we're trying to just learn and understand a lot of things for next year. We are not in a title fight. We are just trying to find more performance."
That is a blunt assessment from a driver who is used to racing for wins and championships. Five podiums is not the standard he associates with his best years, and his comments suggest the priority now is not short-term damage limitation, but understanding what needs to change for 2026.
Why Red Bull still needed Verstappen to commit
Verstappen also explained why he extended his Red Bull deal despite the doubts around competitiveness. The answer is tied to the work being done inside the team, and the belief that change is possible if the right direction is found.
He said: "Changes need to happen to the car for next year. We will not be able to change that for this year, but we just need to try and get a lot of learnings to do better next year."
That reflects a wider reality in Formula 1. Even a driver of Verstappen's level can only do so much if the car is not balanced properly. He described the machine as lacking overall performance, saying the feeling is not right and the through-corner balance is too hit and miss between entry, mid and exit.
In other words, this is not just about fine margins. Verstappen is pointing to a fundamental issue in the car that has to be solved before Red Bull can expect to challenge properly again.
The performance clauses keep the pressure on
The contract extension is significant, but it is not a guarantee that Verstappen will stay at Red Bull forever. The performance clauses mean the relationship remains dependent on results, development and whether the team can make the right technical changes.
That is why his comments about the team moving on from some people and bringing in new staff matter as well. He said Red Bull are discussing what can be done, whether that means changes or a different philosophy, which shows the team is already treating 2026 as a reset year.
Verstappen's stance is practical rather than emotional. He has committed, but only after making clear that the performance level has to improve. If it does not, the story around his future could quickly return.
For now, Red Bull have kept their driver. But Verstappen's McLaren admission, combined with his frank description of the car, shows this remains a situation to watch closely heading into the next phase of Formula 1.
