Before he left Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton made a quiet but powerful statement – and now, Max Verstappen has echoed that exact same sentiment, sending shockwaves across the paddock and raising serious questions about his future at Red Bull after months of behind-the-scenes tension.
Max Verstappen gave the media very little in one of the busiest press conferences in years at the British Grand Prix. But this is consistent with his media strategy.
There was talk that Verstappen could take a sabbatical, sidestepping both Red Bull and Mercedes, but he did at least rule out this option. The four-time world champion will be on the grid next year.
On the subject of a potential move to the Silver Arrows, he was withdrawn. He’s clearly giving the move some consideration, whether for 2026 or further down the line.
Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract, potentially allowing him to escape before its 2028 expiry. But it’s still unlikely that he chooses to activate it.
Max Verstappen says it would be ‘amazing’ to finish career at Red Bull – Lewis Hamilton made same point
Speaking in 2022, Lewis Hamilton said he planned on staying with Mercedes ‘for the rest of my life’ (via F1i). He signed a new contract the following year, but before the 2024 season had even started, he opted out of completing the deal and agreed to join Ferrari in advance.
Verstappen has also indicated that remaining with Red Bull indefinitely is his plan A. He repeated this when asked if he could envisage himself racing for another team in F1.
“I’m going to say no, because if I say yes, people will make up headlines again, and that’s not what I want,” he replied. “I always said to the team it would be ideal, and I think they think the same way, to finish off my career in Formula 1 with one team.
“I think that would be something amazing, and that’s what we are still trying to achieve.”
This will be somewhat reassuring to Christian Horner, who must be a little worried about losing his biggest asset. But the general rule in F1 is that drivers prioritise their own interests over loyalty, and Verstappen is unlikely to stay if he feels Red Bull can’t grant his championship ambitions.
Alex Albon tells Max Verstappen what he’d lose if he swapped Red Bull for Mercedes
The suspicion at Red Bull is that Jos Verstappen is spreading the Mercedes rumours. Max himself has done little to fuel the story.
But equally, this speaks to the division that exists between his camp and the team. Until that’s fully healed, the uncertainty will always be there, even if he stays put for 2026.
Alex Albon has warned Verstappen he wouldn’t be as dominant against his teammates if he left Red Bull for Mercedes. The car at Milton Keynes has been built around him.
As his championship ambitions fade, Verstappen can perhaps afford to focus on his future more than usual. He arrives at Silverstone 61 points behind Oscar Piastri and has already said he isn’t in contention.
