Max Verstappen refused to be drawn on his future at the British Grand Prix, amid reports he is open to a switch to Mercedes in 2026.
Sky Italy claims Verstappen and Mercedes have held concrete discussions about a move next season, with Red Bull falling far behind McLaren this year and the Mercedes power unit expected to be strong in 2026. Verstappen was asked about weighing up a familiar environment against a new team at such a time of change, but stated he wasn’t currently making such a choice.
“There is no decision at the moment,” Verstappen said. “So, for me, it’s not about ’26 or whatever. I just focus on what I have ahead of me, work with the team. Then, of course, a lot of people make up assumptions, but that’s not me.
“I have nothing else to add compared to what I said last week, to be honest.”
In Austria, Verstappen failed to commit to Red Bull in 2026 when given the chance, and again declined to do so, also refusing to discuss whether he has a clause in his contract – that runs until 2028 – that would allow him to leave.
“I’m not speaking about my contract, to be honest. I think it’s a bit easier like that for everyone,” he said. “Like I said last week, that’s all that I have to say about it.”
With George Russell saying earlier on Thursday that he felt Mercedes gives him the best opportunity to win a drivers’ championship despite multiple unknowns, Verstappen did not give the same endorsement to Red Bull.
“I think no one can say 100% sure that they will be fully comfortable next year,” he said. “There will be so many unknowns anyway for next year. The only thing that I have to do is drive whatever I have fast.”
