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Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been in question for a matter of months now, but the four-time world champion’s latest comments on the saga have made his intentions clearer than ever.
Max Verstappen has become synonymous with Red Bull as his career has progressed.
Having spent the entirety of his career at the F1 outfit, the Dutchman has cemented himself as their most successful driver ever, amassing 71 Grand Prix victories, 48 pole positions and a total of 127 podiums.
However, in the midst of a tumultuous time for the Austrian constructor during the 2025 campaign, the Red Bull star seemed restless at Milton Keynes.
Details emerged that Verstappen has a release clause in his Red Bull contract, which will allow him to sever ties with the team and find greener pastures elsewhere if he finds himself outside of the top three at the halfway point of any given season.
- READ MORE: Damon Hill explains why his ‘guts’ are telling him Max Verstappen is in no rush to leave Red Bull
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Max Verstappen has ruled out an exit from Red Bull before the end of his contract in 2028
One of the main questions looming over Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is whether he will choose to stay loyal to the team he has spent the entirety of his Formula 1 career with, or chase even more success with a rival constructor on the grid.
In a recent interview with Blick, the four-time Formula 1 world champion was asked about his future, and offered a candid outlook in response.
He said: “I’m 28 now and have a contract with Red Bull until 2028. I intend to fulfil it. At this point, I’m ruling out a team change.
“It’s a shame that I won’t have my friend and mentor Helmut Marko by my side in 2026. I’ll miss him.”
The verdict from the Dutchman is sure to be a big blow for Mercedes. Toto Wolff is a keen admirer of Verstappen’s talents and has tried to bring him over to Brackley multiple times in the past.
However, the growth of Kimi Antonelli could scupper a move for Verstappen in the future, providing he does wish to continue racing in F1 after 2028 and seek out a move across the pit lane.
If the young Italian driver continues to make good progress in the early years of his career, and the Silver Arrows manage to keep George Russell happy, then there should be no reason for the Brackley-based team to enter the driver market.
- READ MORE: Red Bull have now strengthened in one area that could make Max Verstappen a title favourite in 2026
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Max Verstappen also teased a potential team principal role in the future
During his interview with the Swiss publication, Verstappen was reminded of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s longevity in the sport.
After detailing his future plans at Red Bull, the 71-time Grand Prix winner was told that he’s putting people under the impression that he won’t be driving into his 40s, to which he replied, “You can bet on it.
“At 40, I might still be standing in the pits as a team principal in another series.”
Verstappen has made it clear for a long while now that F1 isn’t the only racing category that he plans on competing in during his active driving career.
An avid sim racer in his spare time, he regularly competes in virtual events at the wheel of GT3 machinery.
Verstappen gained his GT3 license for the Nurburgring during a high-profile appearance at the iconic circuit last September in a bid to make his dreams a reality and enter the prestigious 24 Hours of Nurburgring this year.
He has since been given the green light from Red Bull to take part in the race, but it remains to be seen whether it will actually happen this year.
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