It has been revealed what Max Verstappen told Red Bull Racing in response to a contract extension tabled by the Formula 1 giants, a proposal which would see the Dutchman stay with the team until 2032.

It has been previously stated that Verstappen held meetings with the team, and he did not want to discuss his future with the side at all. However, according to Ralph Schumacher, discussions over the driver’s contract were in fact brought up during the meeting held in Milton Keynes.

An apparent 6-year contract extension was tabled by Red Bull’s top brass, but Schumacher, on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, shed some light on the meeting, how this offer was received by Verstappen, and other issues that were brought up during the event.

Max Verstappen’s Reaction to Red Bull’s Long-Term Contract Offer

“I get the feeling that Oliver Mintzlaff has faded into the background a bit.” Red Bull’s managing director took a lead role following the exits of Helmut Marko and Christian Horner. He continued: “You don’t see him around. I reckon Mark Mateschitz has now made [development] a top priority, that’s why Max Verstappen was in Austria. I get the feeling they’ve lost a bit of trust in each other.”

When discussing Verstappen’s contract extension, Schumacher claimed, “I’ve heard they were desperate for Max to sign a contract until 2032. Max apparently refused and said, ‘Well, I don’t need that right now; I’m on contract until 2028 anyway, so I’d rather wait and see.’”

It is also believed that Verstappen has an exit clause in his current contract, which is based on the standings of this year. If the four-time world champion is outside the top two by the summer break, this clause will become active. Verstappen currently sits 60 points behind Lewis Hamilton, who is in the midst of something of a resurgence in the iconic red of Ferrari, and Red Bull’s form is not quite that of Mercedes and the Scuderia, who are extending their leads week on week at the top of the table.

Red Bull’s Offer to Eliminate Max Verstappen’s Summer Exit Clause

Red Bull management have now accepted that Verstappen won’t make the top two before the summer break and reportedly to have a plan to stop their star man from leaving.

According to Sports Bild, they have decided to ‘buy it out’. To persuade Verstappen to waive the clause, they will try to pay the driver a figure in the tens of millions to stay on.

Despite this, fans and pundits alike suspect that he will only stay on if he sees a route back to the top of the sport, which is where he, and the team, will believe he belongs.

England fans knew their trip to America for the World Cup may be expensive, but there has been frustration from fans at the prices charged in the stadium for their opener in the group.

The Three Lions have had to wait a while to finally get into action, with almost a week between the start of the tournament and Thomas Tuchel’s men beginning their campaign.

It all starts in Texas at the Dallas Stadium, as England take on familiar foes Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final.

Roughly 15,000 fans have made their way to America to cheer on the team, as they look to end 60 years of hurt, but they will be there at some cost.

While ticket prices, hotels, and travel have all been well-documented as being pricey, the fans are also being charged a lot for refreshments and food.

England Fans Pay Price For Expensive Refreshments

Reuters/Nathan Ray Seebeck

England fans have already sunk a lot of money into travelling to watch their team in the World Cup, but it has cost them even more at the Dallas Stadium.

Expensive drinks were being charged in the concourses, with $15.95 being charged for a beer, and $25.50 for a margarita cocktail, for any fan wanting an alcoholic drink.

Water was being charged at $8.25, with sparkling water charged at $0.25 more expensive, and a sports drink priced at $8.50.

As for food, the cheapest item were chips, listed as $7, while the most expensive food item was a quesadilla being charged at $26, quite the price for any peckish fans.

That overshadows the prices that fans pay for in the Premier League and the EFL, being charged at multiple times that of clubs in the English tiers.

Naturally, there has been some frustration and backlash coming from the supporters who have attended.

England Fan Frustration over Food and Drink Costs

Taking to social media, England fans voiced their frustrations at the prices being charged at the Dallas Stadium. One fan said: “Chips are cheaper than water….crazy….”

Another added: “Those prices are least twice as much as in Atlanta – is it profiteering off England fans?” while another fan said: “£12 a pint blimey.”

The water prices were the main point of frustration, as a supporter said: “£6.20 for a water. That’s criminal.”

“So a pint and a packet of crisps is nearly $25…” another fan pointed out, underlining the sheer cost of the World Cup on supporters in America.

In a World Cup that has been criticised for being a rip-off for the travellers, the concourse prices are hardly helping to shake that reputation.

Thierry Henry has gone viral online for his comments surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance against DR Congo in Portugal’s World Cup opener.

The 41-year-old started for Roberto Martinez’s side from the off in his sixth World Cup, and it got off to an ideal start when Joao Neves scored after just six minutes.

Portugal were unable to make that early lead count, as DR Congo pushed and eventually equalised through Yoane Wissa on the stroke of half-time.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but ultimately Ronaldo and his side were left frustrated as they had to settle for a point to kickstart the tournament.

With all the focus on the legendary striker, Henry’s analysis showed where he struggled in the match.

Thierry Henry Analyses Cristiano Ronaldo Performance

Cristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Phil Noble

After another difficult match for Ronaldo, there was plenty of criticism for his lack of impact on the game, as he often drifted behind defenders and lurked in the box for opportunity.

Despite question marks over his position, Martinez has stood by the star striker, but Henry is worried that he isn’t being selfless enough at the key moments.

Speaking on FOX after the match, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward said:

“One thing that’s important, people, please at home, the team needs to score. Not you needs to score…

“Because he wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players, and it’s easier for you to defend. And that’s my thing: The team needs to score. Not you.”

He also pointed out how frustrated Bruno Fernandes looked when Ronaldo took on a shot instead of leaving the ball for him.

It was a scathing assessment of Ronaldo’s display, who managed just three shots and 25 touches in the match, as he proved relatively ineffective.

Henry’s verdict went viral on social media, sparking a strong reaction, with many agreeing with the Frenchman, questioning whether he should start in the next two group games. Although some felt Ronaldo shouldn’t be so harshly criticised.

Do Portugal Need To Drop Ronaldo?

It may be controversial, it may catch headlines, but it is probably time for Martinez to consider dropping Ronaldo from the starting lineup for the following matches.

Portugal need a greater presence up front, who can cause more problems and give the opposition defence something to think about in and around the box.

Ronaldo’s lack of touches and all-around lack of athleticism at 41 prevented him from troubling DR Congo too much in the key moments of the match.

While he could be an option from the bench to poach in the box, there are options such as Goncalo Ramos who could provide the solution to their woes up front.

It will draw conversations and controversy, given his stature, but it might be time to do it for Portugal’s sake.