Max Verstappen confirms: 'I'm staying in Formula 1 in 2027'

Verstappen spoke to De Telegraaf about his future. When asked whether he would still be active in Formula 1 in 2027, he said: "Yes, definitely. Unless some really crazy things happen, but I don’t expect that. I hope everyone keeps their word. But I can confirm that I’ll stay in Formula 1.”

That confirms what had already been hinted at earlier on Thursday in his press moment with international media, where GPblog was also present. The four-time world champion spoke there about the announced adjustments to the engines for 2027 — although those are now on shaky ground — and said he was very happy with them. Despite questions there about whether that meant he was one hundred percent certain to continue in F1, Verstappen remained vague then: "It will make the product better so that means that I'm happier and that's what I want to be able to continue in F1," Verstappen said there.

As clear as Verstappen is about continuing in the sport, he is far less so about where he will continue speaking to the Dutch newspaper. "I’m in no rush, you know. I’d prefer to be connected to Red Bull for the rest of my life, I’ve always said that. But making that decision doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow.

"Whether it’s here or somewhere else; there’s a lot more involved than just the Formula 1 contract. I’m also talking about all the other projects. I’m discussing those with Red Bull as well. I’m very relaxed about it. Let’s not make it too dramatic. Even if it all comes to nothing, that’s fine by me. That’s how I look at life," the former F1 world champion adds.

With this statement, Verstappen does leave the door wide open to a move to another team. Indeed, the Dutchman repeats what he has been saying for a decade, that he would like to stay with Red Bull. But this time he adds that if that doesn’t work out, that’s fine too. Knowing that he does want to continue in the sport, Verstappen would in that case have to seek his future elsewhere.

Those are words that teams like Mercedes and McLaren might find music to their ears. Although the competition always loudly proclaims to be happy with their current drivers, they are closely monitoring Verstappen’s situation. Should the moment come when the Dutchman hits the market, they will certainly pounce.

It is clear, however, that these teams will have to offer more than "just" a Formula 1 contract. Verstappen isn’t talking about a higher salary, but about the freedom to do other things in motorsport alongside F1. For example, Verstappen wants to keep racing on the Nordschleife of the Nurburgring, as he did last week during the 24h Nurburgring. The 24 Hours of Daytona is now also an option for him. A team that won’t let him race outside Formula 1 seems to have little chance of landing Verstappen at all.