Max Verstappen says he has no plans to leave Red Bull amid speculation that he could jump to Mercedes for 2025 due to growing tensions within his own team.
“That has always been the intention of signing, that is why we signed so long to be here,” Verstappen said Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Nate Saunders. “And of course it’s about the performance of the car, and of course from 2026 onwards anyway, that is a bit of a question mark with new regulations, but I knew that when I signed my contract. But I also know what they have done for me in my career.
“The intention is absolutely to stay with this team because I really enjoy it and I am happy within the team. As long as we perform, there is no reason to leave.”
The three-time reigning world champion defended his father’s opinion but distanced himself from picking sides in any potential power struggle within Red Bull.
“(Jos) is always very outspoken. He is not a liar, that’s for sure,” Max said, according to BBC’s Andrew Benson. He added, “But I am not a guy who likes to speak a lot about certain stuff, and I just want to focus on the driving. And if there are issues, we try to resolve it within the team.”
Jos was seen speaking to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in the paddock in Bahrain, fueling speculation that 26-year-old Max could replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
Max, who is signed through 2028, left the door open for a potential switch in the future, but reiterated there is no reason to leave Red Bull.
“Well the thing is, no one would ever have realized or seen that Lewis would move to Ferrari. … So, you can never say 100% that’s how it’s going to be,” he said, per Saunders. “I approach my life like that, but I also don’t think about it that much. I’m very relaxed, like I said, I’m very happy at the team. The performance is there, there is no reason to leave.”
Verstappen is preparing for the Saudi Arabian GP on Saturday after winning last week in Bahrain for his 45th victory since 2021.
thescore.com
