Max Verstappen Delivers Clear Verdict on Red Bull Future Amid Exit Rumours
Max Verstappen has moved to shut down speculation surrounding his Formula 1 future, delivering an emphatic statement that he has no intention of leaving Red Bull before the end of his current contract in 2028.
The four-time world champion, who became F1’s dominant force after securing his first title in 2021, signed a long-term agreement with the Milton Keynes outfit shortly after that breakthrough season. Despite persistent rumours suggesting exit clauses tied to performance, Verstappen insists his focus remains firmly on honouring his deal.
Talk of a potential move away from Red Bull intensified during the 2025 campaign, when the team endured a turbulent period both on and off the track. A mid-season slump in performance for the RB21, combined with sweeping changes at senior management level, sparked widespread debate over whether Verstappen might seek pastures new.
Mercedes and Aston Martin were both touted as possible destinations, particularly as Red Bull navigated one of the most disruptive years in its modern history. However, Verstappen has now poured cold water on those rumours, stressing that a team change is not on his agenda.
Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, the Dutchman was direct in his response.
At 28 years old, Verstappen underlined that he remains committed to Red Bull for the long term and sees no reason to walk away early. He made it clear that, as things stand, he has ruled out the possibility of joining a rival team before his contract runs its course.
While reaffirming his loyalty, Verstappen also reflected on the emotional impact of changes within the Red Bull structure — particularly the departure of long-time advisor Helmut Marko at the end of the 2025 season.
Marko has played a crucial role in Verstappen’s career, overseeing his rise from Red Bull junior prospect to world champion and acting as a mentor throughout his time at the team. Verstappen admitted that losing Marko ahead of the 2026 season would be difficult, describing him as both a friend and guiding figure whose absence will be deeply felt.
Marko’s exit was the latest in a series of high-profile departures at Red Bull. The team has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent seasons, with former team principal Christian Horner and legendary designer Adrian Newey also stepping away from their roles. Together, the trio formed the backbone of Red Bull’s golden era, making the scale of change impossible to ignore.
Despite the upheaval, Red Bull managed to claw its way back into contention during the latter half of the 2025 season. After struggling to match the pace of McLaren and Ferrari early on, the team staged a remarkable recovery, rediscovering form when few expected it.
Verstappen played a central role in that resurgence, mounting a late championship charge that briefly reignited hopes of a historic fifth consecutive title. At one stage, Red Bull had trailed by more than 100 points in the standings, seemingly out of contention as rivals surged ahead.
Yet through relentless development and improved performance, the gap began to shrink. Verstappen’s consistency and racecraft dragged Red Bull back into the title conversation, setting up a dramatic end to the season.
Ultimately, the comeback fell agonisingly short. Verstappen missed out on the championship by just two points, with McLaren’s Lando Norris securing his maiden Formula 1 title after a season-long battle that went down to the wire.
Reflecting on the campaign, Verstappen expressed pride in how the team responded under pressure. He acknowledged that few would have believed Red Bull capable of such a turnaround, particularly given the internal disruption and leadership changes taking place at the time.
The Dutchman pointed out that, heading into the final stretch of the season, Red Bull still faced a daunting points deficit. To even be in the title fight by the final races, he suggested, was a testament to the resilience and determination within the team.
As Formula 1 heads toward a new technical era in 2026, Verstappen’s declaration offers rare clarity amid a sport often dominated by speculation. While the landscape around Red Bull continues to evolve, the message from its star driver is unmistakable: for now, his future remains exactly where it is.
