Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has recently addressed rumors surrounding Mercedes' interest in potentially luring him away from Red Bull. Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, speculation about a possible move to Mercedes arose, fueled by a combination of factors.
Verstappen acknowledged that conversations with Mercedes had taken place. He stated, "You want to have the fastest driver in your car. With [Mercedes], of course, there was also a lot at play and they had to make a choice for a new driver". He admitted that while "big teams are always interesting," he already finds himself with a team with whom he has a close bond.
While Verstappen didn't deny the discussions, he emphasized his commitment to Red Bull. "I still just really like where [I am]," he explained. "I think we had a very constructive conversation. And I think everyone has always been very honest and open with each other".
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has also weighed in on Verstappen's future, expressing confidence that the Dutch driver will remain with the team for the remainder of his F1 career. "For me, there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull," Mintzlaff asserted. He believes that Verstappen is impressed with the team's performance and atmosphere, and as long as Red Bull continues to provide him with a competitive car, he will remain loyal.
Verstappen himself has hinted at factors beyond mere speed that will influence his future decisions. He expressed that if he were to make a change, it wouldn't solely be about finding a faster car or a different environment. Other elements surrounding his F1 career and activities outside of F1 would need to align. Verstappen has also spoken about his desire to continue improving as a driver by learning about the car and himself and doing a lot of things also outside of F1.
The rumors of a potential Mercedes move gained traction earlier in the year when Red Bull faced challenges, and McLaren emerged as a strong competitor. Reports suggested that Verstappen had a performance-related exit clause in his contract, allowing him to leave if the team underperformed. However, Verstappen later affirmed his commitment to Red Bull for 2026.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Verstappen remains focused on the present. He emphasized his desire to concentrate on his car and work with his team, stating, "That's the only thing that I'm thinking about in Formula One at the moment. I'm very relaxed".
Verstappen's current contract with Red Bull reportedly earns him a base salary of $55 million per year, with potential bonuses of up to $20 million. This makes him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1.
Looking ahead, the new regulations coming in 2026 could play a significant role in Verstappen's future. Red Bull's performance in this new era will likely influence his decision to stay with the team or explore other options.
