Bradley Lord claims Max Verstappen’s decision on F1 future ‘doesn’t affect’ Mercedes

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With Max Verstappen hinting at retirement amid frustration, Mercedes have seemingly shut the door on him joining the team.

Verstappen said he’s considering retirement amid Red Bull’s difficult start to the 2026 season. And even with the improvements Red Bull have made recently, there are still doubts about his future.

While some within the paddock believe Verstappen is leveraging retirement to influence change in the new regulations, the four-time world champion’s retirement cannot be ruled out.

Some believe Verstappen could also be eyeing a move to Mercedes amid Red Bull’s struggles. Verstappen has been linked to Mercedes several times in the past.

But it appears Mercedes don’t have interest in landing Max Verstappen, regardless of him choosing to retire or stay in Formula 1.

READ MORE: David Coulthard says winless F1 driver should have been the Max Verstappen ‘of his generation’

Max Verstappen’s future decision won’t impact Mercedes

Speaking to Champ1, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord was asked about the possibility of Max Verstappen retiring from Formula 1.

While Lord noted that Verstappen’s stance on retirement may have softened with Red Bull’s improvement, he doesn’t think his decision to stay or go will have any bearing on Mercedes’ future.

“I understand the attempt at speculation, but all I can say is to repeat what Toto Wolff has already said this year. We have our two preferred drivers in our two cars, both products of the Mercedes system. We are pleased that Max is driving a Mercedes AMG in GT racing…

“My personal opinion is that the frequency of these statements is not increasing but decreasing with the performance of Red Bull and their improved competitiveness of the car.

“But I don’t want to put words in Max’s mouth. He knows his own opinion. He has a life and a racing ambition outside of Formula 1, and he has often said that he won’t stay in a Formula 1 cockpit till he is very old because that is also demanding. So I’ll leave that decision entirely unto him.

“That doesn’t affect us. But I think there have been so many statements from big stars in the first two and a half months of the season because we’ve had very little racing.

“There has been a lot of talk, speculation, and focus, but we’re at least happy that from next weekend we’ll have seven races within 10 weekends.”

READ MORE: Mercedes chief says Max Verstappen has made working ‘quite difficult’ at the Nurburgring 24 Hours

Bradley Lord claims Max Verstappen’s departure won’t hurt Formula 1

Speaking further in the interview, Lord claimed that Formula 1 has seen several talented drivers come and go, so Verstappen’s exit won’t hurt Formula 1 in the long run.

“I believe that’s solely up to Max. The sport has survived the arrival and departure of thousands of drivers in its 76 years. Something similar will happen in the coming years, and will happen with any of the current drivers. Formula 1 is constantly evolving and developing.”

With Verstappen pursuing a win at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, there is a concern that his venture into other racing leagues has shown discontent with Formula 1.

And even with the regulations being changed to Verstappen’s liking, the four-time world champion’s successful career gives him the safety and security to walk away should he feel like it.

There is no doubt that Verstappen’s exit from Formula 1 will hurt the sport. But as Lord mentioned, other big names leaving the sport is something Formula 1 has survived.