Max Verstappen has revealed why he decided to stay silent as rumours circulated the Formula 1 paddock about his potential move to Mercedes for 2026.
The links surfaced when George Russell told the media that his contract talks were on hold while Mercedes chief Toto Wolff engaged in discussions with the Dutchman, which Wolff later confirmed. While Wolff confirmed that the probability of Verstappen joining the Brackley outfit for 2026 was low, it was an avenue he had to explore.
The rumours were finally put to bed when Verstappen confirmed that he will continue to drive for Red Bull in 2026. The four-time champion is under contract with the Milton Keynes outfit until the end of 2028, but performance or exit clauses are said to be in place.
“Well, the thing is that there’s always other people speaking a lot, while I’m not really talking, because first of all I don’t need to, I don’t need to say anything,” Verstappen explained to F1.com when asked why he decided not to speak out on the rumours.
“I think that’s also better for everyone, instead of just waffling things around. It makes no sense anyway, it’s a bit of a waste of time, but for me I’m very focused on ’26 with the team, to look ahead and make sure that we nail the regulations, and that we are competitive from the start.”
Verstappen has raced for Red Bull and its sister team for his whole F1 career. After making his debut with Toro Rosso (now known as Racing Bulls) in 2015, the Dutchman was promoted to Red Bull in 2016 when he secured his first grand prix win. Now, 11 seasons on from his debut, Verstappen celebrated his 200th grand prix in Hungary.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
“It’s been great being part of a team for so long,” he added. “It definitely is like a second family. We have achieved so many beautiful things, including, of course, winning championships together.
“I didn’t even know it was my 200th grand prix with the team, so in a way it goes so fast, but also when you look back at the Grands Prix that we’ve done together, there’s so many great memories.
“When I started racing in Formula 1, I think a target of hitting 200 grands prix already is something really nice, so to be able to do that with one team is fantastic.”
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