There has been multiple rumors circulating in the F1 community that Max Verstappen is close to exiting Red Bull to join Mercedes due to internal turmoil at Red Bull. The Dutchman was reportedly frustrated with all the controversies around Team Principal Christain Horner, the internal-politics and controversies surrounding Helmut Marko .
Max Verstappen‘s father, Jos Verstappen, publicly criticizing Horner saying he is going to bring doom over the entire team his meeting with the team principal of Mercedes Toto Wolff fueled the rumors. Tired of addressing these speculations, Verstappen has shut them down for once and all, he told the media that he won’t leave Red Bull before 2028.
You know, I just focus on the job that I have to do. Um… that’s of course the driving side of things. When I go home I think about a lot of other things… which don’t include Formula One, and I have a lot of fun as well. So for me these kinds of things, also kind of you know, that I have a contract with the team till the end of 2028, and I am also happy with all the people that I am working with, the car is going really well. We should be focusing on that. Max Verstappen told Sky Sports.
The reigning world champion seems to be happy with the team as of this moment. Despite the unrest that still continues in Red Bull, it looks as if he has planned on staying with the team, till the end of his contract in 2028. The future prospects, however, are still a mystery, as the new regulation that would be introduced in 2026 can make Red Bull the best or worst team on the grid. Verstappen has confirmed many a times in the past that he doesn’t want to drive for a slow team.
Max Verstappen calls Red Bull as his second family
There has been a lot of turmoil at Red Bull, ever since the Horner controversy came to light. The team is dealing with unrest due to the internal politics and power struggle within the team. The team’s ace Max Verstappen has been surrounded by possible move speculations since then. But despite the chaos, the Dutchman has shown his affection towards the team.
I've always felt comfortable (at Red Bull) because for me it's like a second family. In a family, there might sometimes be, how would you say, not disagreements, but in families you can't choose family, you can choose friends. Max Verstappen said.
Verstappen joined Red Bull following his 2015 Formula One debut. In 2021, he won his first championship with the team and became the youngest world champion in history. They have stuck by each other through good times and bad. Verstappen is pleased with the team, and they are cooperating and paying attention to the team’s results.
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