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The reigning F1 champion says his commitment to Red Bull depends on upcoming race results, as McLaren and Mercedes close in
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has hinted that his future with Red Bull may depend on how well the team performs in the next few races. Although he’s under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, Verstappen admitted that he’s keeping an open mind if things don’t go as planned.
Recently, rumors have been swirling about possible moves to other top teams like Mercedes or Aston Martin. These rumors have gained traction because of some internal tension within Red Bull and a dip in the team’s performance in the 2025 season.
Despite the speculation, Verstappen still seems committed to Red Bull — at least for now. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf during the race weekend in Imola, he explained that he has no intention of leaving the team, unless “strange things happen.”
“I’ve always said that to the team — that I plan to stay,” Verstappen said. “But of course, that could change if something unusual happens. For now, that’s not my plan.”
The next few races are critical, according to Verstappen. He wants to see how the team develops during this period. It’s not just about this year, he explained, but the future in general. He emphasized that everyone at Red Bull understands how important this moment is for the team — and for him.
While Verstappen is clearly watching the team’s progress closely, he also made it clear that he has no plans to take a break from Formula 1. Despite his concerns about certain aspects of the sport, he still loves racing and working with his team.
“There’s no way I’m stepping away from Formula 1,” he said firmly. “I plan to be here at least until the end of 2028. Sure, there are some things I don’t enjoy about the environment, but I love racing and the people I work with.”
He admitted that he wasn’t thrilled about finishing fourth in the recent Miami Grand Prix, but added, “It’s still better than finishing last.”
Verstappen’s future may be tied to a performance clause in his contract — meaning he could leave the team if Red Bull isn’t competitive enough. This makes Red Bull’s current situation even more sensitive. The team is under pressure from fast-rising rivals like McLaren and Mercedes, especially during this European leg of the season.
Red Bull has brought car upgrades to Imola in hopes of catching up to McLaren, who has been strong in recent races. If those improvements don’t work, and McLaren continues to outperform them, Verstappen might seriously consider his options.
Right now, though, Red Bull still has its champion behind the wheel. But with the competition heating up and Verstappen watching things closely, the team knows it needs to step up fast.
What happens in the next few races could not only affect Verstappen’s future but also shake up the entire Formula 1 driver market. For now, though, he remains focused and determined — and still very much a part of the Red Bull team.