Max Verstappen has finally lifted the lid on the Mercedes rumours — confirming talks did take place, while making it clear what would truly drive any future move away from Red Bull.
Despite being under
contract until 2028, speculation swirled in mid-2025 that the four-time world champion could be tempted by Mercedes. Verstappen shut that down before the Hungarian Grand Prix, stating plainly that he would race for Red Bull in 2026 and calling time on the rumours.
Now, speaking to BBC Sport, Verstappen has offered rare insight into how serious those discussions really were — and what would matter if he ever considered leaving Milton Keynes.
“For me, it’s not only about F1,” Verstappen explained. “There’s a lot that has to come together for me to make a change — future roles, things outside racing. Red Bull feels like a second family, and that’s not easy to replace.”
The Dutchman stressed that performance alone wouldn’t be enough to force a switch. “It wouldn’t just be because I need a faster car or a different environment. Everything around my F1 career has to align.”
Pressed on the Mercedes talks themselves, Verstappen was candid. “I’m not going to lie — there were talks. But they were very open and friendly. Nothing more than that.”
Since joining Red Bull’s senior team in 2016, Verstappen has built a dynasty with the squad. Away from F1, he continues to broaden his racing portfolio — highlighted by a winning GT3 debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife — as part of his drive to become a more complete driver.
“I’m always trying to improve,” he said. “Learning the car, learning myself, racing different machinery. I don’t think that hurts you in F1 — it only makes you better.”
For now, Verstappen’s future remains firmly red. But his words confirm one thing: if he ever leaves, it won’t be for just speed alone.
