Wurz analyses Verstappen rumours: 'F1 politics at the highest level'

17:01, 28 Jul

Updated: 17:58, 28 Jul

byLudo van Denderen

There are increasing signs that Max Verstappen will ‘simply’ stay with Red Bull Racing in 2026. Almost certainly a transfer will not place to Mercedes, despite all the stories that have surfaced in the media lately. Alexander Wurz, former F1 driver and now among other things analyst, has also seen it all.

Wurz has plenty of experienced in the sport. At the request of this website, he explains the stories of the last few months. "I see there's multiple layers of agendas and politics," he analyses in conversation with GPblog.

"To an extent that however or whoever started this media narrative, at one point it got an uncontrollable selfdynamic, hard to assess of what is the truth, or what is purposely put messages into the media to influence agenda, or at times destabilise other teams."

"That's normal in F1. We are playing on the high stakes. Racing politics is happening by the media, but certainly there must be something to it. It will be interesting how it plays out."

Alexander Wurz explains the rumours about Verstappen's future

What happened between Verstappen and Mercedes?

Undoubtedly, a lot of non-factual information has been written in recent months, as well as many things about Verstappen, Red Bull, and Mercedes that were true. "I think that the parties have talked to each other, Max and Mercedes," Wurz asserts.

"I think any team would have to talk to Max. This, in my opinion, [is] hundred percent true. Exploration of options in the contract situation, also [a] normal practice in Formula 1."

"If two parties are interested at least to talk to explore, that doesn't mean you want to change. Sometimes you talk to control the market and understand the market. But so I'm pretty sure that they have had ongoing talks."

"Red Bull is going to a new power unit supplier," Wurz continues, referring to Red Bull Powertrains. "So then it's natural just you are going to the guys who have the biggest engine development budget and ask (Mercedes, ed.). That's what I think for 100% happened.."

In the coming weeks it will be clear whether Verstappen still makes the switch to Mercedes, but that seems increasingly unlikely.