Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has given his thoughts amid Mercedes trying to lure him away from Red Bull.
A potent blend of factors combined to spin the rumour mill towards a potential Verstappen Red Bull exit to rivals Mercedes.
First, there was the announcement ahead of the 2024 season that this campaign would be Lewis Hamilton’s last with Mercedes before switching to Ferrari next year.
Next, there were allegations of misconduct toward Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, of which he was cleared but that didn’t stop Verstappen’s father Jos making noise of unrest.
At that time, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was open in his desire to sign Verstappen, but he ultimately went down the route of youth with Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
“You want to have the fastest driver in your car,” Verstappen explained in an end-of-year interview with broadcaster Viaplay when asked about Mercedes’ interest.
“With [Mercedes], of course, there was also a lot at play and they had to make a choice for a new driver.”
Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull through 2028 admitted that while “big teams are always interesting,” he is at one already, one that he has an incredibly close bond with.
The Dutchman was handed his F1 debut as a teenager by Red Bull at Toro Rosso in 2015 and has been in the senior team since 2016.
“I have achieved a lot of success with [Red Bull] and it just feels like a second family,” said Verstappen.
“You can’t make the consideration to leave very quickly.
“It’s not like, I wake up and I say, ‘yeah, next year it’s done.’
“I am not someone who shoots from left to right very quickly anyway.
“So you really have to think about that kind of thing very carefully, too, if you want to do that.”
Little behind Verstappen/Mercedes talks
Verstappen admitted conversations between his camp and Mercedes had been held, but there was little behind them.
Wolff tried to sign Verstappen before he headed to Toro Rosso, but Mercedes had its hands full with Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Verstappen revealed: “Of course, we [he and Mercedes] always talk to each other, and I don’t lie about the fact that we sat together either.
“But that in itself is not a problem either, I think. But I still just really like where [I am].
“I think we had a very constructive conversation. And I think everyone has always been very honest and open with each other.
“But on the other hand, I am also very loyal to my own team and I just feel at home there.
“Then there’s really not a whole lot to gain at this point.”
Verstappen isn’t concerned about the future
Verstappen won his fourth successive title in 2024, but it was hard fought as Red Bull struggled for top-tier performance in the latter half of the campaign.
One more year of the current rules cycle means Red Bull will have another fight on its hands before the rules reset in 2026.
A big part of the 2026 rules is the change to the power unit regulations with more electrical power, the removal of the MGU-H system and the introduction of sustainable fuels.
Coinciding with that is the debut of the Red Bull Ford powertrains project, but Verstappen isn’t looking that far ahead.
“In 2026, of course, there will be new rules,” he said.
“But right now I’m not too busy with that, to be honest.”
Speaking of 2026, Red Bull’s current engine partner Honda will be switching to Aston Martin for the new rules cycle in a works deal.
Moreover, Red Bull’s former Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey will join Team Silverstone in 2025 as Managing Technical Partner.
Has this given Verstappen pause for thought?
“Right now, I haven’t thought about [Aston Martin] at all,” Verstappen said.
With a contract in his pocket for the next four years and the F1 world at his feet, Verstappen can afford to be careful and considered with his future, one that will see a baby with partner Kelly Piquet come into his life next year.
The Dutchman has often considered he won’t extend his F1 future beyond 2028 as he has other motorsport interests, which could well impact whether he decides to switch teams sooner.
“I’m still very young, so a lot can still happen in the future, too,” he said.
“For me, it’s not just about F1 either.
“After that, I also want to do a lot of things. I am also thinking about that. Who are the right partners for that?
“Those are things I’m thinking about, but also don’t necessarily have to make a decision about right now.”
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