Max Verstappen has decided to stick with Red Bull for now, after months of strong public links to Mercedes, but it remains to be seen whether his head will be turned next year
Jos Verstappen has admitted he and his son Max discussed the idea of quitting Red Bull this year « a lot ». And the Dutch former racer has also revealed that Mercedes were not the only outfit they considered joining.
He was most strongly linked with a move to the Silver Arrows for months until he confirmed last month that he will stick with Red Bull for the 2026 season. But that does not mean Verstappen intends to see out his full contract, which runs until 2028.
A new era with fresh technical regulations is likely to upset the balance of power on the grid, especially as Red Bull are building their own engines for the first time. Should they drop out of contention for race wins completely, it seems likely that Verstappen will look to join another team that can give him a quicker car.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, his father Jos admitted that they had « more » discussions than usual this year about the prospect of moving to another team. And Mercedes were not the only consideration, he said, as Ferrari were also name-checked by the 53-year-old.
Verstappen Snr said: « It is not that we have talked about it a lot just this year. This year, however, a little more than in previous years. So it was true, but there is also a lot of nonsense that goes along with the rumours. But we are also talking about Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull.
« It is logical. Max and I are discussing the possible options, and it is the three big teams, apart from McLaren, that can welcome him. »
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His comments appear to be a blow to Aston Martin, who are also understood to be keen on luring the Dutchman. Ambitious billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll has already splashed out on legendary designer Adrian Newey and would love to put the four-time champion in the cars he creates.
Aston are likely to make a play for Verstappen if he does become available next year, though Jos’ suggestion that they did not discuss the Silverstone team as an option this year puts them at a disadvantage.
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It will also depend on who actually has an available space. Mercedes are going to hand contract extensions to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli this year and will want to make sure that at least one of those deals can be broken at the end of the 2026 campaign, in case they can get their hands on the Dutchman.
If Ferrari are also keen, it will depend on what the future holds for Lewis Hamilton. If the seven-time F1 champion sticks around beyond next year, then they too will have no room for Verstappen as Charles Leclerc has a long-term deal believed to run until 2029.
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