Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull remains on the agenda, with a new meeting with Toto Wolff reigniting discussions about the Dutch driver’s possible move to Mercedes. During the Formula 1 break, the four-time world champion was photographed alongside the German team boss on the island of Sardinia, in Italy, on July 30, 2026. This is the second consecutive year that the two have spent part of their vacation in the same destination.
The images revealed show Verstappen accompanied by his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, while Wolff appears with his wife, Susie Wolff. The fact that the Red Bull driver and the Mercedes manager are in the same vacation spot for the second year running fuels speculation about the nature of their meetings.
The exact date on which the records were made has not been officially confirmed. However, there are indications that Verstappen had already been present in Sardinia since the previous Sunday, when his yacht, named Unleash the Lion, docked on the Mediterranean island.
In the footage, Wolff is seen riding a jet ski, while Verstappen appears in the water alongside Kelly Piquet. Other photographs show the Dutchman engaging in electric hydrofoiling and boarding a luxury yacht.
Verstappen’s contractual status at Red Bull remains uncertain
Despite having a contract in force with Red Bull until the end of 2028, Max Verstappen’s situation continues to be one of the most discussed topics in the Formula 1 market. Throughout the season, the Dutchman had his name frequently associated with Mercedes, the team led by Toto Wolff, and was also considered at McLaren. Internally, the four-time champion’s continuity in the Austrian team is seen as the most likely scenario, although there are no guarantees for the coming years.
Recent information indicates that Red Bull has already started moves to avoid any possibility of leaving, presenting a contract extension proposal for Verstappen until the end of 2029. The main modification in relation to the current agreement would be the removal of the performance clause, a mechanism that could allow for early termination if the team loses its competitiveness.
