F1 fans think Max Verstappen may have secretly revealed his next move before this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
Speculation has been growing over Verstappen's future at Red Bull in recent weeks, with their 2025 car not as quick as the McLaren or, in certain conditions, the Ferrari.
The Dutchman is second in the Drivers' Championship after a second-placed finish in the wet Australian Grand Prix, but a fourth place in the dry in China appeared to be a better representation of the car's true pace.
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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed last month (via RacingNews365) that Verstappen has a clause contained within his contract that can be activated 'if performance is not good'. The exact criteria for that clause to be triggered has not been detailed.
The four-time F1 Drivers' Champion has been linked with moves to Aston Martin and Mercedes.
Merc team principal Toto Wolff revealed that he held talks with Verstappen's representatives last season as he looked for a driver to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
And Aston Martin has emerged as another option, with former Red Bull design supremo Adrian Newey having joined the team this year. He will lead the charge in designing his new team's 2026 challenger, which is hoped to be quick enough to compete for race wins and potentially world championships.
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Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Verstappen was asked whether the race would be his last in a Honda-powered car in Japan.
Honda are currently Red Bull's engine supplier but, crucially, will no longer supply engines through the Red Bull Powertrains programme beyond 2025.
And having previously pulled out of F1 in 2021, the Japanese manufacturer will make a return to the sport in 2026 - by partnering with Aston Martin.
After being asked the question, Verstappen remained briefly silent before replying: "You're putting words into my mouth!"
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The reporter later clarified that Verstappen initially thought the question related to the partnership between Red Bull and Honda, and only realised the Aston Martin reference while he was answering - prompting laughter from the press room.
But during a demonstration event in Tokyo earlier this week, the Dutchman again referenced the end of Red Bull's relationship with Honda - and added in a telling comment at the end.
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"I want to try and just enjoy the weekend," he began. "Try to go as fast as you can.
"But it's more about also just remembering all that we have achieved together in the sport and who knows, of course, in the future as well?
"You know what can be done. So it's like a goodbye for now, but that's it. I'm still quite young, and you never know what happens in the future."
Which F1 team do you think Max Verstappen will drive for in 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Ryan Smart