The words of Max Verstappen during an interesting interview given to the Dutch broadcaster Viaplay.
After completing his community service in Rwanda, Max Verstappen officially went on vacation. The Dutch Red Bull driver, fresh off his fourth consecutive World Championship title, granted an insightful interview to the Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, touching on very important topics, starting with his future.
Here are Max Verstappen’s words, starting with his talks with Mercedes: “I’m not lying about the fact that we sat down at a table; I don’t think it was or is still an issue. We had very constructive conversations, and we’ve always been very honest and open with each other, but on the other hand, I am also loyal to my team, it’s where I feel at home.
This is the current situation. I’m still very young, so I can’t know what may happen in the future, and in my case, it doesn’t only concern Formula 1. I intend to do many other things, projects I’m thinking about, and they will require the right partners.”
Verstappen then added: “I understand that an F1 team aims to have the fastest driver behind the wheel of their car; it’s a justified interest, but today I am part of a team that has allowed me to achieve great success, and I feel like an integral part of this family. You can’t wake up one morning and say ‘Okay, you know what? I’m leaving at the end of the season,’ it’s not my way of doing things.
These are decisions that need to be carefully considered, and it takes time to do so. I also understand that it’s not nice for the team to learn that you’re talking to another team. Mercedes didn’t hide our talks, so I completely understand Christian’s disappointment.”
In 2026, many things will change in F1, but Verstappen doesn’t seem worried at all: “In 2026, there will be new rules, but right now, I’m not so concerned, to be honest. I have a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, and in F1, it’s not like football, where you sign a five-year contract and then leave the following season.
Let’s say that in our sport, it’s not that common, and I have no intention of doing so. Of course, you can never be certain about what the future holds in a year, two, or three, but today I am very happy to be where I am. We’ve won another championship, and I’m part of a team that allows me to be myself. I have nothing to complain about.”
