🔥 ‘It’s NOT only about F1!’ – Verstappen breaks his silence on secret Mercedes talks and the decisive factors that could trigger a shocking future move 👇👇
Max Verstappen has finally offered a deeper insight into the Mercedes discussions that sparked intense speculation earlier this year, shedding light on how seriously the idea was considered and what would truly influence any future decision.
Despite being firmly under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, rumors linking Verstappen with a high-profile Mercedes switch gained remarkable momentum midway through the dramatic and unpredictable 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
The speculation grew louder as paddock whispers intensified, with many insiders suggesting that Mercedes were exploring every possible avenue to secure the services of the sport’s most dominant driver of the modern era.
That wave of uncertainty was ultimately halted ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix in August, when Verstappen publicly confirmed he would remain with Red Bull for the 2026 season, urging fans and media alike to move on.
“I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours,” Verstappen stated at the time, emphasizing that his commitment to Red Bull had always been clear, despite the constant noise surrounding his future.
Months later, during an in-depth interview with BBC Sport, the four-time World Champion was asked to revisit those conversations, prompting him to explain that any career-defining move would involve far more than pure on-track performance.
“For me, it’s not only about F1,” Verstappen explained, offering a rare glimpse into his mindset and revealing that professional decisions at this stage of his career must align with broader personal and long-term ambitions.
He stressed that numerous factors would need to align perfectly, including future roles, responsibilities, and life beyond racing, before even considering leaving the environment he has called home for nearly a decade.
Since joining the Red Bull family after his promotion from Toro Rosso in 2016, Verstappen has built deep relationships that go far beyond a standard driver-team dynamic, making any potential separation emotionally complex.
“So if I ever would make a change, of course, it’s a big one for me,” Verstappen admitted, describing Red Bull as a second family and acknowledging how difficult it would be to replicate that sense of belonging elsewhere.
The Dutchman made it clear that a hypothetical move would not simply be motivated by the pursuit of a faster car or a fresh working environment, dismissing simplistic narratives often associated with driver transfers.
Instead, Verstappen emphasized that his Formula 1 career is closely intertwined with various projects and passions outside the championship, all of which would need to align seamlessly before any major transition could occur.
When pressed on whether the Mercedes discussions represented a serious consideration at the time, Verstappen responded with characteristic honesty, confirming talks took place while downplaying their overall intensity and intent.
“I’m not going to lie. For sure, there were talks,” he said, adding that the conversations remained friendly, transparent, and respectful, without progressing into anything that could be described as a concrete plan.
This openness reflects Verstappen’s maturity and confidence, understanding that dialogue at the highest level of motorsport is natural, particularly when teams are planning long-term strategies around regulation changes and competitiveness.
Beyond contract discussions, Verstappen also highlighted his relentless desire for self-improvement, explaining that his development as a driver extends far beyond race weekends and simulator sessions with his Formula 1 team.
He described a constant process of analyzing details, learning about vehicle behavior, and better understanding himself, viewing personal growth as a continuous journey rather than a destination already achieved.
A key component of that growth has been Verstappen’s involvement in other racing disciplines, which he believes only enhances his adaptability and overall skill set as a professional racing driver.
The 28-year-old notably made headlines by winning on his GT3 debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in September, demonstrating his versatility and reaffirming his passion for racing in its many forms.
“I’m driving, of course, a lot of different cars,” Verstappen explained, suggesting that competing outside Formula 1 sharpens his instincts and provides valuable perspectives transferable to his Grand Prix performances.
He firmly rejects the notion that external racing commitments could distract from Formula 1, instead viewing them as complementary experiences that contribute to becoming a more complete and well-rounded competitor.
For Verstappen, excellence is not confined to a single category or contract, but rather defined by a holistic approach to racing, learning, and long-term fulfillment both on and off the track.
As speculation inevitably resurfaces in future seasons, Verstappen’s words serve as a reminder that any potential move will be guided by values, relationships, and purpose, not just horsepower, trophies, or headline-grabbing transfers.
As speculation inevitably resurfaces in future seasons, Verstappen’s words serve as a reminder that any potential move will be guided by values, relationships, and purpose, not just horsepower, trophies, or headline-grabbing transfers.
