Verstappen on Mercedes talks: 'It would take more than a faster car to leave Red Bull'
Max Verstappen confirms he had "friendly and open" talks with Mercedes but explains that leaving Red Bull—a team he views as family—would require a holistic life change, not just a faster car. His loyalty is rooted in culture and personal bonds, not merely performance.
Max Verstappen has confirmed he held discussions with Mercedes earlier this year, but emphasized that his deep-rooted loyalty to Red Bull—a team he calls "a second family"—means a switch would require far more than just a competitive performance advantage. The reigning champion made it clear his career decisions are influenced by a holistic view of his life, both inside and outside of Formula 1.
Why it matters:
In an era dominated by driver movement and contract speculation, Verstappen's stance highlights a rare and profound loyalty in the sport. His admission that talks occurred, yet were framed as "friendly and open," provides a candid look into how top drivers navigate their futures. It underscores that for the sport's most dominant force, success is measured beyond just lap times and championships, involving personal relationships and long-term life goals.
The details:
- Verstappen publicly ended speculation about a move in August 2025, confirming he would stay with Red Bull into the 2026 regulation changes.
- In a recent interview, he revealed the core philosophy behind his loyalty: "For me, it's not only about F1... There's a lot of things that have to come together for me to make a change."
- He explicitly stated that replicating the familial environment at Red Bull would be extremely difficult elsewhere.
- When asked about the Mercedes talks, Verstappen did not deny them but downplayed their seriousness: "I'm not going to lie. For sure, there were talks. But at the same time, it was all very friendly and open. Nothing more than that."
- This measured response suggests the conversations were exploratory rather than indicative of genuine intent to leave.
The big picture:
Verstappen's career has been intrinsically linked with Red Bull for over a decade, creating a bond that transcends a typical driver-team contract. His perspective challenges the common narrative that drivers will inevitably chase the fastest car, placing equal or greater value on stability, trust, and a supportive culture. This foundation appears solid enough to withstand the allure of a rival like Mercedes, even during a period of major regulatory uncertainty on the horizon.
What's next:
With his commitment to Red Bull reaffirmed through 2026, the focus now shifts entirely to the team's preparation for the new era. Verstappen's stability allows Red Bull to channel all resources into developing a competitive package for the sweeping regulation changes. For the driver, his quest to become a "more complete driver" through activities like his recent GT3 victory at the Nürburgring will continue alongside his Formula 1 duties, as he builds a legacy defined by both loyalty and relentless self-improvement.