Max Verstappen says he’s more concerned about Red Bull regaining form than considering options for changing Formula 1 teams in 2026.
With Verstappen having release clauses in his current contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028, the world champion's future with the team has been a continuing source of speculation this season amid power struggles behind the scenes and a number of other key personnel of their positions. within the Milton Keynes team.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff often courted Verstappen, especially when Red Bull began to struggle with performance, before Mercedes formally linked up with young phenom Andrea Kimi Antonelli last month.
Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Verstappen hinted at resuming the opportunity of switching teams in 2026, but stressed that he was more focused on changing Red Bull's results than anything.
Asked if he likes the indisputable fact that he appears to have options for 2026 and beyond, with several teams keeping those options open, Verstappen replied: “Yes, in fact, I comprehend it's possible, but I don't really give it some thought okay Now.
“I feel in the intervening time I even have enough worries and other things that we would like to do higher.
“We'll see what happens in the long run. Right now, I truthfully don't think much about it. But if it doesn't occur, so be it. It won't change my life.”
Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing
Photo: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images
With Aston Martin definitely also focused on Verstappen, a team that has recently attracted other key Red Bull members including Rob Marshall, Adrian Newey and Will Courtenay, Red Bull is aware of what it must do to get the Dutchman to see through his current deal: provide him a competitive automotive.
“Most big drivers have performance-based release clauses in their contracts, just like Max,” Helmut Marko told German website RTL/ntv. “So if we can't give him a car to fight at the front, that's definitely something he'll think about.”
The biggest variable is a completely recent regulation cycle in 2026 featuring entirely recent automotive designs and heavily revised power units, which shall be an enormous opportunity to reshuffle the competitive pecking order.
Red Bull particularly has many inquiries to answer regarding its first-ever power units designed in-house at Red Bull Powertrains, with input from Ford, following Honda's departure to grow to be a working partner of Aston Martin.
However, Verstappen doesn’t consider that Red Bull's form for 2026 is an even bigger mystery than the shape of rival teams. Of course [a question mark]but you possibly can say that about anyone,” he said. “It's a totally recent automotive and engine.
“It's a matter mark for everybody, including those that think they’re in the perfect situation straight away. The query is at all times whether you actually did such a fantastic job and can remain so [until the 2026 season starts]”
