Max Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from swirling about what the three-time World Champion might do next. Fans and teams alike are wondering whether the Dutchman will extend his stay with the Austrian team or seek a new challenge with another top team, such as Mercedes, Aston Martin, or Ferrari, all of which are expected to make a strong pitch for his services.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Verstappen remained ambiguous but hinted that his next move could be his final one in Formula 1. “My next move, if it comes, will be my last in F1. But that could also mean extending my current contract. At the moment, everything is still open,” he said. The statement leaves the door wide open for a range of possibilities, from extending his long-standing partnership with Red Bull to exploring new avenues in his career.
When pressed about the possibility of leaving Red Bull before 2028 through a potential contractual clause, Verstappen was coy. “Maybe, maybe not. It’s not a topic I’m thinking about right now. There’s still so much I want to do better this year, and the future is still a long way off,” he responded. His reluctance to provide a definitive answer only fueled further speculation about whether the Dutchman could shake up the driver market earlier than expected.
Verstappen expressed gratitude for the loyalty Red Bull has shown him over the years, acknowledging the crucial role the team has played in his rise to stardom. “I’ve been part of this team for a long time. Every driver wants to win, that’s clear. But it’s easy to switch teams, and that’s not what I want,” he explained.
“I don’t want my career to be defined by five different teams. I want to build a stable and long-term relationship with the team, to belong somewhere,” he added. The Dutch star’s comments underscore his commitment to Red Bull, with whom he achieved his first F1 victory in 2016, just one race after his promotion from Toro Rosso. Since then, Verstappen has transformed into one of the sport’s dominant forces, delivering multiple championships for the team.
Despite his loyalty, the motorsport world remains on edge, knowing that a move from Verstappen could significantly alter the landscape of Formula 1. Should he decide to leave Red Bull, teams like Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari are likely to jump at the opportunity to secure his talents. As a proven champion with unmatched consistency and speed, Verstappen’s name on any team’s roster would instantly boost their championship aspirations.
But while the speculation mounts, Verstappen’s focus remains firmly on the present. “There’s still so much I want to do better this year,” he emphasized. With the future still several seasons away, Verstappen is clearly intent on maximizing his current situation and possibly adding more titles to his already impressive resume before considering his next move.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: if Verstappen decides to explore other options, team bosses like Lawrence Stroll or Toto Wolff will be more than ready to pick up the phone. The question is, will Verstappen make the call? Only time will tell, but his decision will undoubtedly be a defining chapter in Formula 1’s ongoing narrative.
