Max Verstappen Reveals Reason for Staying Silent on Mercedes Rumors

Max Verstappen finally gave a reason for not addressing rumors over a potential Red Bull in the past few months.

Max Verstappen Reveals Reason for Staying Silent on Mercedes Rumors

Max Verstappen (image via XPB images)

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Max Verstappen was at the center of attention in the F1 paddock for the past couple of months. It was rumored that the reigning world champion was plotting a switch to Mercedes for 2026, leaving behind a struggling Red Bull Racing. The Dutch driver didn’t comment on such speculation till just a couple of weeks ago, ending all rumors. Now, Verstappen has revealed why he decided to stay silent for weeks.

The 27-year-old has a valid contract with Red Bull till the end of 2028. However, there is an exit clause in Verstappen’s deal that could allow him to leave Milton Keynes. This was believed to be the way the Dutchman would’ve joined Mercedes. Max Verstappen even met Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Italy’s Sardinia just days after the British GP.

Though, Max Verstappen did speak up and refute all speculation when things reached a melting point. The Dutch driver has now claimed that he simply never cared about people talking over such a possibility. The reigning world champion asserted that he never needed to say anything.

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 told F1

Moreover, Verstappen reckoned that it was just better for the paddock if he didn’t engage in such conversations, calling it nothing more than a waste of time. The four-time world champion declared that he’s working hard with Red Bull for the 2026 season, as the team aims to bounce back with the new regulations.

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 added

Max Verstappen grateful to reach major F1 milestone

Max Verstappen made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015. The Dutch driver impressed the paddock during his rookie season, showing glimpses of raw speed. This was enough to convince Red Bull to promote Verstappen midway through 2016. He won his first race for Milton Keynes at Barcelona, since then, the reigning world champion has never looked back.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

The Red Bull star recently completed his 200th race with the team. Max Verstappen admitted that he wasn’t aware that he reached such a milestone, hinting that time does fly in Formula 1. The 27-year-old recalled having incredible memories with Milton Keynes, particularly the four world titles. Verstappen further asserted that just reaching 200 races as a whole was a big achievement, let alone reaching that with a single team.

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 explained

Certainly, Max Verstappen and Red Bull are one of the most successful pairings in F1 history. While this has led to immense success on-track, it has also shown Red Bull’s overreliance on Verstappen. Milton Keynes has everything to lose if the Dutchman ever decides to join a rival squad in the near future. Though, for now, such a crisis remains averted.

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