Max Verstappen opens up on Red Bull future amid speculations over Mercedes move
The 26-year-old is a three-time world champion
Max Verstappen has confirmed his intention to honour his Red Bull contract until 2028, as it was the primary reason for his initial agreement.
Despite holding the longest contract among all drivers on the grid, recent speculation surrounding his future has gained considerable traction following controversies off the track at Red Bull.
Despite the possibility of equalling his own all-time record of 10 consecutive race wins set last season, with the potential to achieve 20 victories in 21 Grands Prix overall, talk of a potential switch to Mercedes has emerged as a prominent topic in recent weeks.
When questioned about his commitment to remaining with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen informed reporters in Melbourne: “That’s why, of course, I signed the deal in the first place.
“And what I said before also, I’m happy within the team and, of course, it’s very important that we try to keep the key players in the team for a longer period of time because that’s what goes with the performances as well.
“At the end of the day, it’s a performance business. It’s the same as if I wouldn’t perform, I wouldn’t be sitting here, so I know how that works.
“But yeah, for sure, with the deal in place, that is also my intention for sure, to be here until the end because, of course, it would be a great story for me personally also, if you just see it out to the end because it means that I’ve been part of one family and one team.”
Given the off-track conversations surrounding the team and sudden discussions about Verstappen’s future, he was asked if he still feels as ‘comfortable’ as he did a few months ago despite what has happened since.
“I always felt comfortable because, for me, it’s like a second family,” he responded.
“In a family there might sometimes be… not disagreements, but as you know, in families, you can’t choose family, you can choose friends – but it’s good.
“Like I said before, of course, I would like the chat to be a little bit more about the great car that we have. But hopefully, that will come slowly.”
Verstappen admitted it was “nice to hear” of Mercedes and Toto Wolff’s interest in him, and when pressed on that and if he would ever see himself switching teams – he did not rule out the possibility entirely.
“I don’t know,” he replied when asked if he would ever drive for Mercedes.
“I don’t know what happens after ’28. I don’t know if I’m going to stay in F1, or if I’m going to continue, if I’m going to sign a new deal [with Red Bull], I don’t know that yet.”
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