Max Verstappen, the star driver for Red Bull Racing, has made it clear that he is not considering a move away from the team that has propelled him to four consecutive Formula 1 world championships. Despite facing challenges with the 2025 car and stiff competition from McLaren, Verstappen expressed his commitment to Red Bull for the upcoming seasons.
Verstappen’s journey with Red Bull began in 2016 when he transitioned from Toro Rosso, a sister team of Red Bull. He made an immediate impact by winning his first race with the team. Since then, he has accumulated a remarkable total of 63 race victories and secured his four world titles between 2021 and 2024, all while driving Red Bull cars.
However, the 2025 season has presented a different scenario for the Dutch driver. After experiencing a period of dominant performances, Verstappen is now grappling with a challenging car and increased competition, particularly from McLaren. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about his future with the team, confirming his intention to continue racing for Red Bull in 2026.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen stated, “I did always say that to the team. That’s the intention, unless strange things happen. But that [a departure] is not my intention at the moment.” His comments reflect a strong sense of loyalty to Red Bull, although he stopped short of outright dismissing the possibility of a future switch as the F1 landscape evolves, especially with the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026.
Rumors have circulated regarding potential moves to Aston Martin, especially following the departure of renowned designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull, as well as a surprising transfer to Mercedes. However, Verstappen emphasized that he is not focusing on these speculations during the 2025 season. “First, I want to see how the rest of the season – or at least part of it – goes,” he remarked. He acknowledged the importance of upcoming races, not just for his immediate future but for the team’s overall performance and direction.
Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull extends until the end of 2028, solidifying his position within the team for the next several years. Even with the uncertainties surrounding the car’s performance and the competitive landscape, it is evident that Verstappen is committed to staying in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future. He firmly stated that rumors of a potential sabbatical or break from racing are unfounded. “There is no question of that; my intention is to last in Formula 1 at least through 2028,” he declared.
While he has expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the sport, Verstappen enjoys working with his team and the thrill of racing itself. He admitted that finishing fourth, as he did in Miami, does not fulfill his competitive spirit. “It’s not what I’m doing it for,” he said, “but it’s always better than finishing last.”
Red Bull is currently focused on enhancing their performance following Verstappen’s fourth-place finish at the Miami Grand Prix. The team is implementing a series of upgrades as they head to Imola, hoping to close the performance gap to championship leaders McLaren. These developments are crucial for the team and for Verstappen as they strive to regain their competitive edge.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, not just for their performance on the track but also for how they navigate the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. With Verstappen’s unwavering commitment to the team, fans can expect to see him continue to push for victories and strive for excellence in the races to come.
