Max Verstappen has stated that he will not make a decision about his future in Formula 1 “based on feelings” amidst rumors linking him to a move to Mercedes. Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but there have been doubts about his commitment following the power struggle within the team during the pre-season. The tension arose from an internal investigation into Christian Horner’s conduct, which has resulted in a public dispute involving the Red Bull boss and Max’s father, Jos.
Mercedes has been positioning itself to be ready if Verstappen becomes available, and their recent improvement in performance has made them an attractive option. However, Verstappen, who has been with Red Bull since 2014, has emphasized the importance of not rushing into a decision that he may regret. He values loyalty and acknowledges that it is not always present in Formula 1. Verstappen believes that his relationship with the team is strong and that they are committed to their own engine project. He recognizes the challenges they face competing against manufacturers with decades of experience but remains optimistic and realistic.
Verstappen has made it known that he does not expect to stay in the sport long-term, but he will still be around for the next regulation change in 2026. While some drivers and team bosses have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the FIA’s goals for lighter and slower cars, Verstappen prefers to reserve judgment until the proposals are further refined. He believes in staying neutral and patient, considering the future beyond 2026.
Photo from Max Verstappen Instagram
