Max Verstappen has denied that lingering doubts over the Red Bull Powertrains venture are behind reports linking him with a potential Formula 1 switch to Mercedes.
Despite Red Bull continuing to be the pre-eminent F1 force in 2024, it has been touted that Verstappen could be poised to make a sensational switch to a rival outfit.
The rumours have emanated since the fallout from the recent investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.
Although he was exonerated of the accusations, the tension has remained at Red Bull with Max’s father, Jos, suggesting that Horner’s presence had become untenable.
But on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix – where he can equal his record 10 wins in a row – the Dutchman reiterated the intent to complete his Red Bull deal through 2028.
“That’s why, of course, I signed the deal in the first place,” Verstappen said when asked if he’ll remain at Red Bull long-term. “What I said before also, I’m happy within the team.
“Of course, it’s very important that we try to keep the key players in the team for a longer period of time, because that’s of course where the performance is as well.
“At the end of the day, it’s a performance business. It’s the same as if I wouldn’t perform, I wouldn’t be sitting here.
“I know how that works, but for sure, with the deal in place, that is also my intention, for sure, to be here until the end.
“Of course, it would be a great story for me personally also to just see it out to the end, because it basically means that I’ve been part of one family and one team.”
The gossip that Verstappen could be a target for Mercedes derived from Verstappen Sr being pictured in conversation with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Bahrain.
Wolff has admitted he would “love” to sign Verstappen to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, adding each team would do “handstands” to lure him from Red Bull.
“No, it doesn’t have any impact on me of what I would do or whatever, but I mean, it’s always nice to hear that,” he replied when asked about the comments Wolff made.
“But of course, Toto and I, we had our little moments, but that’s normal between two teams as well, battling, I guess, for challenges, but the respect has always been there.
“But yeah, from my side, it doesn’t change anything.”
Pressed on a potential timeline for him to move to Mercedes in the future, Verstappen replied: “I don’t know. I don’t know what after ’28 happens. I don’t know if I’m going to stay in F1 or if I’m going to continue, maybe sign a new deal. I don’t know that yet.”
One factor that has been mentioned in relation to a Verstappen departure from the reigning champions has been possible scepticism over Red Bull’s power unit project.
Red Bull has set up its own Powertrains division to work on the overhauled engine regulations coming in 2026, with support from American automotive marque Ford.
While he is under no illusions about the task ahead of the group, Verstappen insists he has complete faith in Red Bull to compete against entrenched engine suppliers.
“I mean, if I have to, of course, speculate about everything. I mean, I might be worried if I’m still alive tomorrow, right?” he answered when that rumour was put to him.
“So, I don’t really worry about that too much. Of course, I’m in close contact also with Christian about that. And the people working there, everyone’s working flat out.
“So, there’s no need to panic about that as well. And also, it’s still not 2026. And we know that it is a very big task. We don’t take that lightly.
“And, of course, with so many well-established engine manufacturers, we also don’t think it’s going to be easy to beat them.
“But we have a lot of good people working on it, on the project. And we’re very excited about it. So, time will tell, of course, where it’s going to be.”
