Max Verstappen remains Red Bull's key player, but the Netherlander also sent a message between the lines: if the rebuilding process does not bear fruit soon, the doors at Mercedes or other teams could reopen.

The Dutch champion speaks clearly about his future in Formula 1 and rules out Mercedes for the time being.

Max Verstappen has put an end to rumors linking him to Mercedes and made it clear that his sights are set on Red Bull and 2026, a key year due to changes in Formula 1 regulations.

Rumors about a possible move to Mercedes grew after a performance-based exit clause in his contract was confirmed. However, Verstappen was emphatic: he will not be distracted.

“There are a lot of people talking, but I don't need to. I prefer to focus on working with the team and making sure we're ready for 2026,” he said.

Although Toto Wolff admitted that he explored the option, Verstappen made it clear that he will not be changing colors anytime soon.

Red Bull in rebuilding mode

The Netherlander compared this moment to his arrival in 2016, when Red Bull was going through ups and downs. Since then, they have achieved historic titles, but the drop in performance against McLaren last season set off alarm bells.
Even so, Verstappen insists that the team's winning mentality has not changed:

“The goal is always to come back stronger. I'm not worried, I'm confident that we'll be able to react quickly.”

The challenge of 2026

The main objective for Verstappen and Red Bull is to adapt as best they can to the new engine and chassis regulations that will come into force in 2026. The Dutchman wants the team to be competitive from the first race, aware that the future of his relationship with the team could depend on that start.