Max Verstappen: « I’m very happy where I am »
Asked about his future and a potential move to Mercedes, the F1 world champion reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull. While he is expected to stay with the Austrian team until 2025, nothing is certain for 2026, even though he will still be under contract.
Tied to Red Bull until 2028, Max Verstappen was not spared by journalists this Thursday during the press conference in Spielberg (Austria). Rumors mention a possible transfer to Mercedes. Questioned repeatedly about his future, he often hinted at things rather than stating them clearly. An account of part of the press conference with the three-time world champion:
« – Max, in Spain, there was another exchange between Christian Horner and Toto Wolff about your future. Can you definitively close the debate by affirming that you will stay at Red Bull 100%?
– Je pense avoir déjà répondu. Les gens parlent, mais le plus important est que nous ayons une voiture très compétitive à l’avenir. Pour le moment, c’est très serré, mais nous travaillons très bien en équipe pour essayer de nous améliorer davantage. »
This parameter of competitiveness is a major point. Indeed, more and more people, including Toto Wolff, think that the McLaren is faster than Red Bull. Could a less dominant car convince Max Verstappen to change teams?
« I don’t think that’s how it works in Formula 1, where suddenly you can say « oh well, goodbye guys ». That’s not how it works. I have a long contract with the team. I am very happy where I am. And as I have already said, we are already focusing on next year with things we can implement on the car. So I guess that should be enough to know the team I will be driving for next year. »
Even if he implies it, Dutch does not fully clarify the situation. “Beating around the bush” as some would say. One last question on this matter was inevitable, Max Verstappen responds, annoyed:
Can you affirm with a simple yes or no if you will be driving for Red Bull next year, please?
– Tu n’as pas compris ma réponse avant ? Oui, mais je l’ai déjà dit. Nous travaillons déjà sur la voiture de l’année prochaine. Lorsque vous êtes concentré sur le développement, cela signifie que vous conduisez pour l’équipe. »
Here is something clearer. However, for the 2026 season, year of the new technical regulations, Max Verstappen is not closing any doors. So a slight doubt may still linger.
