Max Verstappen has set the record straight on the swirling rumors about his potential switch to Mercedes, focusing instead on the upcoming Red Bull Ford engine for the 2026 Formula One season.
Ever since the buzz started about Max Verstappen possibly moving to Mercedes, fans have been on the edge of their seats. But Verstappen has remained focused on what lies ahead with Red Bull, especially with their new partnership with Ford for the 2026 engine. Asked about this, Verstappen said, “I’m not the one who designs the engine, but I think it’s incredibly important to know the basics and see where the project is going.” This shows he’s more interested in the team’s engineering progress than the gossip about switching teams.
The Red Bull team is gearing up for a significant change. For the first time in nearly two decades, they will run a car not designed by Adrian Newey and powered by a Red Bull Ford engine instead of Honda. Verstappen noted the team has hired top talent to make the new engine competitive. He said, “The team has hired a lot of good people and, honestly, the only thing I can say about it is that everyone is working flat out to make it the fastest engine possible.”
Despite leading the Drivers’ Championship by 84 points ahead of Lando Norris, Verstappen admits the challenges within the team. Red Bull has acknowledged that his exceptional driving has been a major factor in their success. This is highlighted by teammate Sergio Perez’s struggles, who has scored just 15 points in the last six races. Verstappen remarked, “We just didn’t have the pace. I couldn’t follow the pace of the others. And that’s something we have to understand, of course.”
Meanwhile, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos added fuel to the fire by suggesting Verstappen is likely to join Mercedes by 2025. Doornbos believes the move could benefit Verstappen, allowing him to dominate again with Mercedes under the new technical regulations in 2026. He explained, “Max should seriously consider joining Mercedes in 2025. Because if Mercedes turns out to be really good, he can have a good season with them in 2025 and dominate again from 2026.” This strategic move could position Verstappen with the team having the
team with the best engine.”
Adding to the speculation is Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff, who has often expressed admiration for Verstappen and his desire to bring him onboard. Wolff’s vision includes potentially replacing one world champion with another. Meanwhile, internal turbulence at Red Bull, including the departure of star designer Adrian Newey, adds to the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future. With Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko not completely denying the rumors, the curiosity and excitement continue to build around this potential mega switch.
As we inch closer to the 2025 season, the F1 paddock remains abuzz with these rumors and behind-the-scenes strategies. The idea of Verstappen in a Mercedes is captivating for fans and analysts alike, especially as the competitive landscape shifts. It promises to be a thrilling watch as these stories unfold, keeping the excitement high and the competition fierce.
Amid all the rumors and speculations, one thing is clear: the future of F1 promises dramatic twists and fierce competition. Whether Verstappen stays with Red Bull or moves to Mercedes, fans are in for an exhilarating ride.
