Verstappen explains why he stayed at Red Bull despite Mercedes talks

During an interview given to Viaplay, Max Verstappen returned to the rumors he was the target of throughout the season while the atmosphere at Red Bull was becoming more and more tense. Between the Christian Horner affair and the possible departure of Helmut Marko, all inflamed by the announcement of the transfer of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari, the four-time World Champion found himself in a strange position as his father Jos publicly demanded the departure of the team principal. For his part, Mercedes, looking for a new driver, wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to try to get him back.

While any rumors could be heard about the exchanges between the two parties, the Dutchman admitted to having had "very constructive discussions" with the team of Toto wolff without it going any further, for the moment... The main interested party, linked to Red Bull until 2028, was keen to point out that the "Breaches of contract are quite rare" en Formula 1 and "That's not the goal."

However, Verstappen does not rule out any possibility: "Even if it's not my intention, you never know what can happen next year or in two years. It's uncontrollable, so I don't think about it too much. (…) You really have to think about these kinds of things very carefully before taking action." His loyalty to the Milton Keynes team, which he considers his "second family" leads him to continue his adventure alongside Christian Horner and Helmut Marko for the 2025 season in search of a fifth title. "I'm very happy to be where I am. We have won another title. We logically need to improve the car. I feel good with the team, where I can be myself. Everyone works hard to give me the best material.

Verstappen reflects on his "Goals after Formula 1"

In the balance, "It's not just Formula 1, says Max Verstappen. Afterwards, I want to do a lot of things, I think about it. I wonder who will be the right partners for these projects. […] So I keep all the doors open to be able to choose what I think is best. Focused on the upcoming championship, the level of which promises to be particularly high, the driver nevertheless confirms that he will continue to communicate with Mercedes without considering joining them in the short term. I am still very young, he reminds. A lot can still happen in the future.". If the first discussions did not lead to an immediate arrival in Brackley, the door does not seem to be completely closed...

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