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Max Verstappen Leaving Red Bull for Mercedes Rumors Resurface: ‘It’s Not Only About F1’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arman Khan | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 6:03 AM ET

Max Verstappen’s comments about a possible future away from Red Bull have resurfaced after Formula 1’s official website revisited remarks he made earlier this month, reigniting discussion around long-standing rumors linking the Dutchman to Mercedes.

The quotes originate from a December 4 interview with the BBC. Still, their reappearance has renewed attention on what would actually matter to Verstappen if he were ever to consider leaving the team with which he has won four world championships.

While the speculation itself is not new, the context surrounding it remains relevant as Formula 1 approaches a major regulatory reset in 2026, and both Red Bull and Mercedes are already under scrutiny.

Max Verstappen looks on in the garage during qualifying ahead of the 2025 F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi. Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Reflecting on past conversations with Mercedes, Verstappen stressed that any decision about his future would extend far beyond on-track performance alone.

“For me, it’s not only about F1,” the 28-year-old driver told Andrew Benson of the BBC when asked how seriously he thought about a move. “There’s a lot of things that have to come together for me to make a change.”

What Matters Beyond F1

The Red Bull driver explained that while a competitive car is important, other factors, such as those surrounding his career and personal life, would also play an equally significant role.

“The change, if I would ever make one, it’s not only because I need a faster F1 car or a different environment,” he added. “There’s a lot of things that are around my F1 career and things that I’m doing outside of F1 that all have to come together.”

Max Verstappen tests a Mercedes-AMG GT3 during the Winter Test.Miguel Reis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Notably, Verstappen won his GT3 racing debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in September 2025 and has recently been seen testing Mercedes GT3 cars at the Estoril circuit.

In summary, his willingness to openly acknowledge discussions and broader priorities has kept speculation alive, particularly as teams prepare for the 2026 overhaul that could reshape the competitive landscape.

Red Bull CEO Not Worried About Max Verstappen Leaving

Speaking to De Telegraaf a couple of days ago, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff insisted that he is not worried about Verstappen leaving and emphasized that the most important factor is seeing “everyone in the team gives everything for him.”

Oliver Mintzlaff and Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

He added that the Dutch driver has been impressed by the team’s turnaround this season and, with significant investment in its own power unit, Mintzlaff sees him staying "loyal" to Red Bull.

While the 28-year-old driver's contract runs until the end of 2028, Mintzlaff said he has “no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull.”

While F1 has once again placed the spotlight on how modern drivers weigh legacy, lifestyle, and long-term vision alongside pure performance by revisiting Verstappen’s comments, the Dutchman's message is clear: any future decision would be about far more than just Formula 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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