Max Verstappen has chosen to remain silent on mounting speculation surrounding his Formula 1 future, as persistent rumours continue to link the reigning World Champion with a possible move to Mercedes for 2026. Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s 2025 F1 British GP, the Red Bull driver made it clear he had no intention of adding further fuel to the rumour mill.
The four-time World Champion has been a focal point of the driver market conversation, particularly since George Russell admitted in Austria that Mercedes have held “conversations” with Verstappen amid their own contract negotiations. Russell’s current deal with the Brackley-based squad expires at the end of 2025, and the Briton’s remarks immediately intensified speculation about a potential Verstappen switch.
“Nothing to add” as rumours fly
Nevertheless, when questioned once again at Silverstone ahead of the 2025 F1 British GP, Verstappen dismissed the ongoing reports on his potential move to Mercedes, reiterating his earlier stance and refusing to be drawn into the debate.
“I have nothing to add,” he said. “What I said last week. Other people write stuff, that is great but it is not for me.”
While many within the paddock and fanbase continue to theorise about a sensational move to Mercedes, Verstappen appeared unbothered by the media frenzy. He instead reflected on his journey in Formula 1 and reminded reporters of the uncertainty that always surrounds the sport’s future.
“You can always say the grass is always greener on the other side, that is what they say right? I think you always have to just stay calm, enjoy also what you are doing because I think up until now I have had a lot of success and of course this season is maybe not what we wanted as a team but that can happen as well.”
Red Bull roots remain strong amid speculation
Verstappen’s connection to Red Bull Racing runs deep. He first entered Formula 1 in 2015 with the junior Toro Rosso team, before making his highly anticipated move to the senior squad the following year. That transition paid immediate dividends, with the Dutchman famously winning on debut for Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish GP.
Since then, he has gone on to achieve remarkable success with the team, securing four consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 2021 to 2024. His dominance in the hybrid turbo era, particularly under the latest set of regulations, solidified his status as one of the sport’s elite talents.
Nevertheless, the 2025 season has presented new challenges. Although Verstappen has already claimed two victories, a retirement at the Austrian GP—following contact with Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli—has seen him fall 61 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri as the season approaches its midpoint.
Despite the setback, Verstappen remained philosophical about the nature of competition and the ever-changing dynamics of Formula 1.
“Sometimes you just have to try and accept that as well. Other people make up more stories but that is not for me. I know what I have, I know what I can do and that is fine.”
Future uncertainty and 2026 Regulations
With a major regulation overhaul scheduled for 2026, many within the paddock anticipate a significant shake-up in the competitive order. This looming change has contributed to speculation that Verstappen may consider a switch in teams to maintain a competitive edge. However, he warned that such a strategy does not guarantee results.
“It is difficult in F1 to always be in the fastest car because then you have to look into the future,” Verstappen explained. “Who would have known that two years ago this would be the case.”
He stressed that forecasting future competitiveness is fraught with uncertainty, and that his primary focus remains on improving the current situation at Red Bull rather than seeking a move based solely on potential performance gains elsewhere.
“That is also something I do not spend a lot of focus. I think the only focus that I have at the moment is just trying to improve the situation.”
“At the same time we are not where we want to be I think that is quite clear but at the same time, next year a lot can change again. So even if you try to chase the fastest car, it might not be the fastest car next year and that is exactly what F1 is about.”
Mercedes remain in the picture
Although Verstappen continues to downplay the rumours, Mercedes remain a key player in the 2026 driver market. With Lewis Hamilton now at Ferrari, the team is expected to firm up its future line-up in the coming months. George Russell’s recent comments in Austria confirmed that conversations are taking place, yet he insisted at Silverstone that he is confident of staying put.
No formal announcement was made during Thursday’s press conference, but the possibility of a Verstappen-Russell pairing continues to be a topic of intrigue.
In the meantime, Verstappen remains committed to the Red Bull cause, refusing to be drawn into speculation or hypotheticals. His focus, he said, lies solely on maximising performance under the current regulations and working with the team to overcome its recent struggles.
As Formula 1 approaches a pivotal juncture—both in terms of technical rules and driver movement—Verstappen’s future remains one of the sport’s most compelling storylines. For now, however, the Dutchman appears content to let others talk while he concentrates on doing what he does best: racing.
