Max Verstappen has firmly dismissed speculation about leaving Red Bull Racing after the 2025 Formula 1 season, with team principal Laurent Mekies emphasizing the Dutch driver’s vital role within the squad. Mekies highlighted that Verstappen has always been a key figure for Red Bull and will remain essential for their future success.
How Recent Challenges Sparked Exit Speculation
Rumors about Verstappen’s potential departure gained traction during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, particularly because Red Bull Racing has struggled throughout the 2025 season. Since 2024, Red Bull has faced difficulties maintaining the performance edge they held in previous years, while McLaren emerged as a strong contender with a championship-caliber car.
As McLaren took the lead early in 2025, Red Bull’s RB21 faced persistent balance and grip problems, fueling talk that Verstappen might consider switching teams. The speculation intensified with Mercedes deciding not to immediately renew contracts for their drivers, making Verstappen’s name a topic of interest for the Silver Arrows team. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff notably did not refute these rumors.
Mekies Responds to Transfer Rumors and Underlines Verstappen’s Value
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Laurent Mekies swiftly dismissed doubts about Verstappen’s future, stating,
“I don’t think there was a real doubt, as far as the team is concerned”
about the driver’s ongoing presence at Red Bull. Mekies further reiterated that Verstappen’s desire remains unchanged: he wants a fast car capable of winning races and championships.
Mekies emphasized,
“Now the fact that he said it a bit louder this time I guess is good for everyone to hear, but as far as we are concerned, he has always been a part and central to the team.”
For four consecutive years, Red Bull has delivered cars that allowed Verstappen to win World Championships, and prior to that, the team showed steady progress toward title contention. The 2025 season marks the first notable struggle for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, which had built its strategy around Verstappen as a central figure amid swirling transfer rumors involving Mercedes.
Verstappen’s Role in Overcoming Current Technical Challenges
Beyond his status as a cornerstone driver, Mekies pointed out Verstappen’s critical contribution in improving car performance. The driver’s extensive experience is viewed as a valuable asset in diagnosing and overcoming the team’s recent difficulties, particularly the RB21’s lack of grip.
Mekies explained,
“He knows when the car has been working, he knows when the car has not been working, and especially in a situation like that when it’s not so much a balance issue, it’s really like we are struggling to find the level of grip that we should be having here, and he’s certainly a huge, huge help in these situations.”
Looking Ahead: Red Bull’s Focus Shifts to Recovery and 2026
With Verstappen removing uncertainty about his future, Red Bull Racing can now concentrate fully on addressing the technical setbacks experienced this season. The team aims to return to championship-winning form as they prepare for the demands of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, relying heavily on Verstappen’s input and driving talent to regain competitiveness.
