Formula 1 Race: Is Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull and going to Mercedes? Here's what Christian Horner said
Ever since Red Bull's dominant winning streak faltered in early 2024, rumors have circulated about Verstappen's potential move, possibly to Mercedes or Aston Martin. Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen's world-class status ensures that any uncertainty in Red Bull's form is immediately leveraged by rival teams.
IANS New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) As the 2025 Formula 1 season draws closer, four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has revealed a striking new helmet design that takes inspiration from his earliest days in racing. The Red Bull star has chosen to go "back to the roots" with a look that closely mirrors the iconic helmet of his father, former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen while incorporating subtle personal touches that make it uniquely his own. Max Verstappen reignited Red Bull Racing's momentum at the British Grand Prix, taking a surprise pole position at Silverstone on Saturday, July 5. The performance not only thrilled his team but momentarily quelled the rising speculation around his future in Formula 1.Amid a turbulent season for the defending champions, Verstappen's qualifying lap reminded the paddock of his enduring brilliance behind the wheel of the inconsistent RB21. Walking briskly from the pit lane, flanked by his father Jos Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner, the Dutch driver exuded calm and purpose after delivering yet another standout performance.The current Formula 1 campaign has been anything but smooth for Red Bull. The team's performance has fluctuated, and Verstappen has frequently found himself fighting solo, with his teammate struggling to offer support. At the same time, McLaren's growing consistency has made them a formidable threat in the constructors' championship.Despite these setbacks, Verstappen continues to shine. 'We haven't always had the pace this season, but I'm pushing and the team is working hard,' he said following Saturday's session. 'We're still learning and adapting.'This resilience, along with Red Bull's occasional flashes of dominance, reinforces Verstappen's place as one of the sport's most valuable assets—both for his team and as a potential target for others. Since Red Bull's dominance waned in early 2024, rumors have linked Verstappen to moves away from Milton Keynes. Despite being contracted through 2028, several top teams, including Mercedes and Aston Martin, are believed to be monitoring his situation.
Whispers of a lucrative offer from Aston Martin earlier this season were dismissed, and while Mercedes have not confirmed their 2026 driver lineup, speculation persists. The German outfit is reportedly considering all options as it eyes a return to the top under the new 2026 regulations.The uncertainty surrounding George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes has only added fuel to the fire. Team boss Toto Wolff indicated that decisions about the 2026 lineup could come before the summer break. That timeline aligns with reports of a performance-based exit clause in Verstappen's contract, which might be activated if results dip.Still, Wolff has tempered expectations, saying, 'The probability of something happening there [with Verstappen] is very low.'Despite public ambiguity, Verstappen and Red Bull management appear more aligned than recent headlines suggest. Sources within the team say the Dutch driver has privately reaffirmed his desire to stay. 'I always said I'd like to finish my F1 career with one team,' Verstappen told reporters. 'That's still the goal.'The Silverstone weekend reportedly included a constructive meeting between Verstappen and Horner. Insiders described the discussion as a 'reset,' aimed at restoring focus and calm after weeks of intense media scrutiny.Verstappen's reluctance to make a definitive public statement may be strategic. As he continues to build his personal brand—most notably through the Verstappen.com Racing Team—his ongoing contract discussions with Red Bull could include considerations beyond the race track, such as image rights, sponsorship control, and increased autonomy.Red Bull appears willing to accommodate these demands, seeing them as a fair price to retain the sport's most marketable and dominant driver.Christian Horner downplayed the noise around Verstappen's future. 'He's made it clear he wants to finish his career in a Red Bull car,' Horner said at Silverstone. 'There's always going to be speculation. But our focus is internal—on performance and on progress.'Horner even suggested that the current swirl of gossip was largely triggered by Mercedes' indecision over Russell's future. 'We've had no discussions with George,' he clarified. 'But the speculation around him and Max is inevitable in this environment.'If Verstappen is indeed committed to Red Bull, why not say so more emphatically? Some believe he sees little value in trying to squash speculation that will likely resurface regardless. Others suggest it's a tactical move to ensure Red Bull delivers on promises—technically, commercially, and competitively—before F1's new era begins, as per a report by PlanetF1.With Red Bull Powertrains nearing completion of its 2026 unit, and confidence high within the garage, Verstappen may see no clear benefit in changing course. After all, no team on the grid can offer the same level of personalization, freedom, and familiarity he currently enjoys.As Verstappen prepares to lead the grid at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, fans and insiders alike will be watching not only his race pace but also how he navigates growing off-track pressure. Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM ET
10:00 AM ET Channel: ESPN2
ESPN2 Streaming: Fubo (Free Trial Available)
With McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris starting just behind him, the race promises fireworks. But for now, Verstappen remains the driver to beat—and seemingly, Red Bull's anchor for seasons to come. Currently, Verstappen is not expected to leave Red Bull, despite persistent rumors. He is contracted through 2028, and has publicly stated, 'I always said I'd like to finish my F1 career with one team. That's still the goal.'
Speculation emerged due to Red Bull's dip in dominance in early 2024, as well as Mercedes and Aston Martin exploring options for 2026. A performance-based exit clause in Verstappen's contract may be triggered if Red Bull's results fall significantly.
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