Max Verstappen returned to the podium with his battling drive in Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix on 30 Jun, a weekend where the four-time world champion's future at Red Bull was back in the spotlight.

What happened?

A much-discussed meeting between team Verstappen and McLaren had created headlines, with English newspaper the Daily Mail reporting that the two sides had discussed a future move, possibly as early as next season.

Why it matters for Max Verstappen

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown did not shut down the rumors when talking with Sky Sports on the grid ahead of a race eventually won by Mercedes driver George Russell, saying that if an opportunity arose, Max would be considered.

Max Verstappen is unhappy with the sport's current cars, describing them as “anti-racing” and “not a lot of fun” to drive during preseason testing, but changes have since been made to the regulations to make the cars more intuitive to drive.

What comes next?

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies pointed out that Max has made clear to the team that he wants to continue with the team, but needs a fast car to be happy, and with Red Bull only having been on the podium twice this year, the pressure is on to deliver.

The first podium came in Canada, and the second was in Austria, where Verstappen used Red Bull's major aerodynamic upgrade to heavily pressure Russell's Mercedes, finishing second.

Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen's manager, recently said that Max feels at home at Red Bull, but wasn't born to compete in the midfield, and with links between Verstappen and Mercedes last year, the door now appears to be shut, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

Brown said on British radio station Radio X that there was “no intention” of changing the lineup, but it makes sense for both Verstappen's team and McLaren to assess the market, as anything can happen during the contract negotiating 'silly season' and the unexpected can happen to drivers.

Verstappen's future at Red Bull is far from certain, and with the Dutchman wanting a fast car, the situation will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months, as the Formula 1 season continues to unfold.

The Austrian Grand Prix was won by George Russell on 30 Jun, with Verstappen finishing second, and the result has added to the speculation surrounding Verstappen's future, as he seeks to compete at the top level in Formula 1.

Red Bull may have been deemed as having the best internal combustion engine by the FIA, but it has only been on the podium twice this year, and the team will need to improve if they are to keep Verstappen happy and competing at the top level.

Max Verstappen's contract situation will be closely watched, as the four-time world champion seeks a fast car to compete at the top level in Formula 1, and with McLaren and other teams potentially in the mix, the situation is uncertain and exciting for fans of the sport.

The Formula 1 season will continue to unfold, with the next race taking place on 14 Jul, and Verstappen's future will be a major talking point, as he seeks to compete at the top level and bring home more wins for his team.

Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has said that Max feels at home at Red Bull, but the situation is uncertain, and the Dutchman will be looking to make a decision that is best for his career, as he seeks to compete at the top level in Formula 1.

The situation will be closely watched, as Verstappen's future is uncertain, and the Formula 1 season continues to unfold, with the next race taking place on 14 Jul, and the Dutchman seeking to compete at the top level and bring home more wins for his team.

Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull is uncertain, and the situation will be closely watched, as the four-time world champion seeks a fast car to compete at the top level in Formula 1, and with McLaren and other teams potentially in the mix, the situation is exciting for fans of the sport.

The Dutchman wants a fast car, and with Red Bull only having been on the podium twice this year, the pressure is on to deliver, and Verstappen's contract situation will be a major talking point, as he seeks to compete at the top level and bring home more wins for his team.

The Formula 1 season will continue to unfold, with the next race taking place on 14 Jul, and Verstappen's future will be a major talking point, as he seeks to compete at the top level and bring home more wins for his team, and with McLaren and other teams potentially in the mix, the situation is uncertain and exciting for fans of the sport.