Amidst rumors of a move to Mercedes, Max Verstappen has given the strongest indication yet that he will remain at Red Bull for Formula One 2025, saying the team is no longer “afraid” he will go.
With three consecutive World Championship victories, Verstappen has cemented his position as the dominant force in the current F1 era, joining the pantheon of the sport’s best drivers.
Will Max Verstappen remain at Red Bull?
The drama surrounding team principal Christian Horner has led to rumors of Verstappen leaving Red Bull in recent weeks, despite the fact that his current contract does not expire until the end of 2028.
Jos Verstappen, Verstappen’s father, demanded that Horner resign from his post following the Bahrain Grand Prix, accusing the long-serving team manager of “playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems” after an inquiry into Horner’s behavior was closed.
Concerns grew that Verstappen may quit Red Bull to take Lewis Hamilton’s place at Ferrari at Mercedes in 2025. A week later, Horner asserted in Saudi Arabia that “nobody is bigger than the team.”
Speaking to the Dutch tabloid AD, Verstappen made it clear that he is now committed to staying at Red Bull, saying that the doubt around his future has subsided and that he is prepared to personally reassure the team’s anxious members that he is not leaving.
When asked if anyone at Red Bull was worried about his possible departure, he said, “I think nobody is afraid of that right now.”
But two weeks prior? That may be, mwah.
However, while I don’t read much, other individuals do. And I believe that helps generally.
“Yeah, that’s what I try to advise people—that they should probably hold off on reading it all for a little.
“And anyone in the team can always call me if they have any questions.”
Verstappen’s remarks coincide with increased conjecture around the whereabouts of longtime Red Bull design mastermind Adrian Newey, who was purportedly presented with an attractive contract to join Aston Martin during the weekend of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this month.
Verstappen emphasized the importance of the team maintaining its core members, saying, “Of course, it’s always about being able to keep the right people for as long as possible.” Verstappen’s chief mechanic left Red Bull ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this coming weekend.
It’s usual for other teams to want to do that, so that’s a never-ending conflict. That also occurs with the other elite teams.
When asked if he personally helps persuade Red Bull staff members to stick with the team, he said, “That should come very naturally.”
In the end, if someone doesn’t want to be there, you shouldn’t try to keep them around.
“That relationship needs to be organic.”
