Is Verstappen swapping Red Bull Racing for Mercedes? This is what Max says about it

Verstappen responds to Mercedes rumours

Ever since it was announced that Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, speculation about his successor has been rife. None other than Max Verstappen is being mentioned as a top candidate, especially given the turmoil still going on within the Austrian F1 team. "We don't want this stuff going on race after race because that's not good for the team," Verstappen told Sky Sports.

Verstappen is clear that such a shocking switch to Toto Wolff's team is not on the cards for the time being. "Things must go really crazy, but that's not the target for everyone, he replied. Still, he does not rule out one day competing for the German team.

"I think no one would have ever realised or seen that Lewis would move to Ferrari. You never know what happens or what comes to you or whatever happens around you or what might influence you. So you can never say 100% that that's how it's going to be. I approach my life like that. But I also don't think about it too much. I'm very relaxed. Like I said, I'm very happy at the team. The performance is there. There's no reason to leave," the Dutchman continued.

Verstappen still at Red Bull after 2026?

So for now, Verstappen does not seem to be considering a switch in 2025, but after that it could be a different story. However, he still intends to sit out his contract until the end of 2028. "Of course that was always the intention when signing. That's why we signed on for so long. It's about the performance of the car," Verstappen explained.

He continues: "Of course, from 2026 onwards, that is a bit of a question mark with new regulations. But I knew that when I signed my contract. But I also know what they have done for me in my career, right? The intention is, of course, absolutely to stay with this team because I really enjoy it. I'm also really happy within the team. As long as we perform, there is no reason also to leave."

The three-time world champion adds that it is impossible to know whether Red Bull Powertrains, in collaboration with Ford, can have a strong power unit on entry into the new regulations in 2026, but he stresses that they are "constantly working on it". "I know a lot of people are working very hard on the engine. It's just a matter of trusting that process," Verstappen said.