Max Verstappen Reveals What It Would Take to Leave Red Bull

Max Verstappen (pictured) once again controlled the Formula 1 season in 2025 with the most wins, most poles, and most laps led. Four world titles in, he continues to set the standard through precision, consistency, and an ability to deliver when it matters. His races rarely feel chaotic. Even under pressure, his approach stays measured and efficient.

That level of control has also made Verstappen a constant reference point in F1 betting. His results are consistent, and his race pace is rarely compromised. For many, he represents certainty in a sport that often lacks it.

But Verstappen has spoken openly about what would need to happen for him to leave Red Bull. His recent success in GT3 racing at the Nürburgring suggests his interests extend beyond Formula 1. It adds context to his comments and raises a serious question about how firmly his future is tied to one team.

The Mercedes Talks: What Actually Happened

Talk of a move to Mercedes intensified in mid‑2025. Verstappen’s name came up repeatedly as an obvious option. The speculation reached a peak before the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen put an end to it by confirming he would stay with Red Bull for 2026.

He later clarified the situation himself. Discussions with Mercedes did take place, but they never progressed beyond initial conversations. According to Verstappen, there was no concrete proposal and no moment where a switch made sense. The talks remained professional and open, but nothing pushed him toward leaving.

That decision is tied closely to his history with Red Bull. Since joining the senior team in 2016, Verstappen has built his career within the same structure. Titles, long-term planning, and continuity all played a role. Compared to that, starting fresh elsewhere offered little upside.

Why Red Bull Still Makes Sense

Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull is based on timing and trust. The team backed him early, promoted him aggressively, and committed to him long before he became a multiple world champion. That support shaped both his results and his position within the sport.

Leaving would mean more than changing cars. It would require adapting to a new working culture and rebuilding relationships from scratch. Verstappen has been clear that stability matters, especially when performance is already where it needs to be.

His contract runs until the end of 2028, giving him room to plan without pressure. While he doesn’t close the door on future options, he has no interest in forcing a move. Any change would need clear reasons, not speculation.

Thinking Beyond Formula 1

Verstappen has also been clear that future decisions won’t be based only on Formula 1 performance. Car speed matters, but it’s not the sole factor. He has wider interests and long-term plans that go beyond a single championship fight.

His GT3 debut and victory at the Nürburgring highlighted that mindset. It showed his interest in racing outside Formula 1 and confirmed that he’s preparing for life beyond the F1 calendar. Any future team change would need to support that direction.

What Lies Ahead for Verstappen

Right now, Verstappen remains fully aligned with Red Bull. The Mercedes discussions never developed into anything formal, and he made it clear that there was no point in pushing further. His current priority is to keep winning with the team built around him, and that has supported him from the start.

That said, his recent comments suggest a wider view. With his contract ending after 2028 and new regulations set to arrive in 2026, the driver is watching how the next phase of Formula 1 unfolds.

He’s not moving based on headlines. His decisions are built around timing, control, and the full picture: performance, structure, and long-term fit. For now, he stays where he is. But his approach shows a clear plan: keep winning in the short term, remain open for the future, and keep options ready if the landscape shifts.