Max Verstappen has decisively announced he has no plans to leave Red Bull Racing before his contract expires in 2028, putting an end to speculation about his future in Formula 1. The Dutch driver’s declaration comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting potential moves to leading teams like Mercedes or Aston Martin.
Verstappen, who won his first Formula 1 World Championship in 2021, has become a central figure in discussions about driver transfers. Speaking in an interview with Blick, the 28-year-old driver emphatically stated his intention to remain with Red Bull.
“I’m 28 now and I have a contract with Red Bull until 2028,”
Verstappen said.
“I want to fulfill that contract. At this point in time, I’m ruling out a change of team.”
Red Bull Faces Leadership Changes Amid Verstappen’s Commitment
Adding a more personal note, Verstappen expressed regret over the anticipated departure of longtime friend and advisor Helmut Marko, who will leave the team in 2026. Marko’s exit follows other key Red Bull departures, including team principal Christian Horner and technical director Adrian Newey, raising questions about the team’s future direction.
“It’s a shame that I won’t have my friend and mentor Helmut Marko by my side in 2026. I’ll miss him,”
Verstappen shared.
Overcoming Challenges: Red Bull’s Resilience Last Season
Last season was turbulent for Red Bull, marked by a rocky start that challenged team morale and performance. Despite internal shifts and a slow beginning, the team rallied impressively to close the points gap. Verstappen almost secured his fifth championship, narrowly losing by just two points to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Reflecting on the difficult season, Verstappen acknowledged the team’s grit during management changes.
“Yes. Because in the midst of the turmoil surrounding the change of team boss, no one would have believed we could do it. Before this final sprint, we were still 104 points behind.”
Looking Ahead: Verstappen’s Role in Formula 1’s Future
Max Verstappen’s confirmation of his loyalty to Red Bull solidifies his presence in Formula 1 through 2028, signaling stability for the Milton Keynes outfit amid shifting team dynamics. With his proven track record and determination, Verstappen remains a formidable competitor on the grid. Fans and analysts eagerly anticipate continued battles on the track as he strives for more championship victories.
The next seasons promise excitement as Verstappen aims to capitalize on his strong foundation with Red Bull, overcoming team changes and focusing on performance to achieve future success in the sport.
