Max Verstappen has been a part of the Red Bull family since the early stages of his career. From his debut with Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s junior team, to becoming a Formula 1 legend with Red Bull Racing, the Dutch driver has come a long way. While Verstappen has been a key figure in Red Bull’s success, recent internal conflicts have created new challenges within the team. As a result, speculation has arisen about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull before his contract, which runs through 2028, expires.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Verstappen has been linked to other teams, including Aston Martin and Mercedes. Additionally, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed interest in bringing the three-time world champion on board. However, the Silver Arrows have a slim time frame for signing Verstappen. This is due to Verstappen’s choice not to race in the late thirties. Therefore, his next move could be his last in F1.
Red Bull Or Mercedes: Which Team Will Max Verstappen Choose To End His F1 Career?
Max Verstappen has clarified that any future move he considers in his Formula 1 career will likely be his last. He has hinted that this could mean either a new contract or an extension of his current deal with Red Bull, emphasizing that all possibilities remain on the table at this stage. The speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has been fueled by reports suggesting there are clauses in his Red Bull contract that might allow him to leave before its expiration in 2028. However, when questioned about this, Verstappen remained non-committal, responding ambiguously.
Despite the ongoing rumors, Verstappen has stated that he is not focused on his long-term future at the moment. He prefers to concentrate on improving his performance this season, as he believes there is still much he wants to accomplish. He has indicated that contemplating his career beyond the current year is not a priority right now. Verstappen values stability and familiarity, unlike many drivers who frequently change teams throughout their careers—like Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo. Having joined Red Bull as a junior driver before making his F1 debut, he has been with the team since 2016, making it a significant part of his professional identity.
Reflecting on his journey, Verstappen noted that every driver in the paddock ultimately wants to win. While it may be easy to switch teams, he prefers to avoid being labeled as someone who has raced for multiple teams. Instead, he aims to cultivate a long-term, stable relationship with his current team, where he feels at home. He has expressed that changing teams is not appealing to him at this stage of his career.
Could 2026 Regulatory Revamp Help Mercedes End The ‘Verstappen’ Pursuit?
In the 2026 season, the F1 will undergo a major change. The teams must introduce new power units in compliance with the latest rules. However, given its engine production expertise, the Mercedes team might emerge as a new dominating force. Therefore, if Red Bull’s PU development plan doesn’t go as planned, Max Verstappen might consider a move to Mercedes. Several F1 experts have already predicted this to be an inevitable move. As a result, the likelihood of Toto Wolff’s dream of signing Verstappen seems increasingly promising.
