Max Verstappen has finally addressed the recent speculation linking him to a possible move to Mercedes in 2026, ending weeks of silence that fueled widespread rumors. The Dutch Formula 1 world champion made his first public comments to clarify why he chose not to respond earlier, emphasizing his commitment to Red Bull Racing.

Explaining the Silence Amid Transfer Speculation

For months, the F1 paddock buzzed with speculation about Verstappen’s future, with rumors suggesting that the four-time world champion might leave Red Bull, his current team, for Mercedes starting in 2026. Despite these swirling stories, Verstappen remained quiet until recently. The 27-year-old’s contract with Red Bull runs through 2028 but includes an exit clause that some believed could facilitate a switch to Mercedes. Supporting these rumors, Verstappen met privately with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in Sardinia shortly after the British Grand Prix.

When he finally spoke out, Verstappen made it clear that he did not feel the need to address the rumors earlier, as he regarded such discussions as distractions with no real purpose. He explained that others were talking extensively while he chose to focus on his work rather than publicly engage in speculation.

“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.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 Driver

Verstappen further emphasized that avoiding these rumors was better for everyone in the football paddock, calling them a waste of time. Instead, his attention remains fixed firmly on preparing for the 2026 F1 season alongside Red Bull, as the team aims to adapt to new regulations and maintain its competitive edge.

“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.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 Driver

Reflecting on a Remarkable Career Milestone

Max Verstappen entered Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015, immediately attracting attention for his impressive raw speed and racing talent. His performance earned him a promotion to Red Bull Racing midway through the 2016 season, where he quickly made his mark by claiming his first victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Verstappen’s career trajectory has been exceptional.

Recently, Verstappen reached a significant milestone by completing his 200th race with Red Bull, a feat he admitted he had not initially realized. This landmark reminds him how quickly time passes in the sport and highlights the strong bond he has developed with the team over the years. Securing four world titles with Red Bull has elevated Verstappen among F1’s most successful drivers, and competing in 200 grands prix with one team marks an extraordinary level of consistency and loyalty.

“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.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 Driver

The Importance of Stability for Red Bull and F1

Verstappen and Red Bull’s combination has become one of the most dominant partnerships in recent F1 history. Their success on the track has brought multiple championships and numerous victories, yet it also highlights Red Bull’s heavy reliance on their star driver. If Verstappen were to leave for a rival outfit like Mercedes, it would create a significant challenge for the Milton Keynes-based team.

For now, Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull appears firm, with his primary focus on ensuring the team’s competitiveness under the upcoming 2026 regulations. His unwillingness to engage publicly in transfer speculation not only preserves squad stability but also keeps the attention on performance and preparation rather than distractions.

Max Verstappen’s decision to withhold comment during months of rumors is a reflection of his composed and professional approach to his career, reinforcing that actions on the track matter more than off-track speculation. As F1 moves toward a season featuring significant technical changes, Verstappen and Red Bull’s partnership remains at the heart of the championship’s future drama and competition.