Max Verstappen Committed to Red Bull—Unless Unexpected Changes Occur

Max Verstappen has made it clear he plans to stay with Red Bull Racing, telling Dutch media that only “strange things” could ever push him to leave the team. Verstappen, now a four-time Formula 1 world champion, has raced for Red Bull since 2016 after being promoted from Toro Rosso.

He holds an impressive record, with his Red Bull tally now at 63 race wins and championships in each season from 2021 through 2024. Despite his huge success at the team, 2025 has brought new difficulties. The RB21 has proven tricky to handle, and McLaren is providing intense competition on race weekends.

Even with these challenges, Verstappen’s current contract runs until the end of 2028. He says switching teams isn’t on his mind at the moment and emphasized to De Telegraaf that his “intention” is to remain with Red Bull through the regulation change coming in 2026.

Yet, he didn’t completely close the door to a potential move and admitted “unless strange things happen” his future stays with the team. Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull has been questioned by outside sources, given recent rumors linking him to a possible move to either Aston Martin, following legendary designer Adrian Newey, or with Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton departs in 2025.

However, Verstappen insists his focus is on seeing how the rest of the season unfolds. The Dutch driver explained that the next several races will be key for both his future and the team’s direction.

He believes that if Red Bull shows it can make improvements, the partnership will continue as planned. Verstappen also dismissed any suggestions that he might take a break from racing, saying reports of a sabbatical are “not true in any case.”

He repeated his aim is to race at least until the end of his contract, which runs through 2028. He expressed his ongoing commitment to both Red Bull and the sport, even if recent results like his fourth place in Miami weren’t what he races for.

Red Bull brought a major package of upgrades to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola to help close the gap to McLaren in this year’s standings. Verstappen is looking to bounce back with stronger finishes, hoping these improvements can return the team to the top step of the podium.

As the F1 calendar continues, Verstappen and Red Bull’s response to increased competition will be closely watched. The driver’s long-term future remains one of the most important storylines in the sport, especially with sweeping technical rule changes arriving in 2026.

Verstappen has not hidden his opinion on the current challenges but says the team atmosphere and the thrill of racing keep him motivated. He grew up in a motorsport family, with his father Jos Verstappen also having raced in Formula 1.

The Dutchman’s career with Red Bull started with a win in his debut race and has grown to include four straight world championships. Looking ahead, Verstappen reiterates he is not walking away from F1 or Red Bull any time soon—unless something out of the ordinary forces a change.

For now, the reigning world champion’s focus is on helping his team return to winning ways and seeing out his contract until the next chapter of Formula 1 begins, despite the occasional intense competition on race weekends.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.