Verstappen reveals SHOCK Mercedes transfer…read more
Max Verstappen has revealed that he had unexpected talks with Mercedes regarding a potential transfer during the 2024 Formula 1 season. The disclosure comes amid a turbulent period for his current team, Red Bull. The team faced multiple challenges both on and off the track, including an internal dispute that saw team principal Christian Horner under investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior towards a female colleague. Though Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation, the controversy fueled a public call from Verstappen’s father, Jos, for Horner to step down.
This situation at Red Bull contributed to a challenging year for the team. Their performance on track also suffered as they slipped behind their rivals, McLaren and Ferrari, following the departures of key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. Amid these uncertainties, Verstappen’s future with Red Bull came into question, especially after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made several public attempts to lure the Dutch driver to his team.
Despite these rumors, Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has repeatedly stated that he has no immediate plans to leave. However, he acknowledged that the talks with Wolff did take place during the season. “You always talk to each other, and I’m not lying that we sat together. That in itself is not a problem either,” Verstappen told Viaplay. He emphasized that, despite the conversations, he remains content with his current team, Red Bull.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull is believed to include an exit clause, which could have allowed for the possibility of a move, but the driver has remained firm in his commitment to the team in recent statements. His success on the track, including securing the 2024 drivers’ title, seems to have stabilized his position within Red Bull, especially after the internal issues were settled.
While Verstappen’s future was once uncertain due to the internal conflicts at Red Bull, it now appears that the situation has calmed, and the reigning world champion is focused on continuing his dominance in F1 with his current team. Despite the flurry of speculation and Wolff’s interest, Verstappen’s latest comments suggest that, for now, he is content with Red Bull and not looking for a change.
