Verstappen Rejects Early Red Bull Exit, Commits to Contract Until 2028
Max Verstappen has dismissed rumors of leaving Red Bull early, stating he intends to honor his contract until 2028 and ruling out moves to Mercedes or Aston Martin.
Max Verstappen has unequivocally stated his intention to honor his Red Bull contract until its expiration in 2028, firmly dismissing swirling rumors about a premature departure. The four-time world champion explicitly ruled out moves to Mercedes or Aston Martin, contradicting recent reports suggesting he held exit clauses linked to performance benchmarks.
Why it matters:
Amidst a season of intense scrutiny and internal changes at Red Bull, Verstappen's public declaration offers a rare moment of stability for the team. His commitment neutralizes one of the biggest variables in the future driver market, forcing rival teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin to pivot their strategies away from acquiring the sport's dominant force.
The details:
- Contractual Commitment: Verstappen refuted claims by German outlet Sport Bild that he could leave Red Bull at the end of 2026 if the team was not running at least second in the championship by the summer break. "I have a contract until 2028 and want to fulfill it," he stated firmly.
- Rejecting Rivals: The Dutchman effectively closed the door on recent overtures from Mercedes' Toto Wolff and Aston Martin's Lawrence Stroll, confirming he is not seeking a switch at this time.
- Beyond the Records: Unlike contemporaries Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, Verstappen has no desire to race into his 40s or chase statistical milestones like seven world titles. "Definitely not," was his blunt response to the idea of matching Hamilton's record count.
- Life After F1: Verstappen hinted that his future lies outside the Formula 1 cockpit, potentially as a team principal in another series, though he remains open to GT racing or even MotoGP adventures once his F1 tenure concludes.
Looking ahead:
While his immediate future is settled, Verstappen made it clear that Formula 1 is not a lifelong project. His focus is increasingly shifting toward family life, suggesting that once his Red Bull chapter ends, he may step away from the pinnacle of single-seater racing to pursue different passions.