What Max Verstappen’s ‘heart’ is telling him to do as he chooses between Red Bull and Mercedes for 2026

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Max Verstappen has gotten used to exceptionally busy press conferences in recent weeks. This is the result of the increased speculation about his future.

Verstappen has, it’s worth noting, done little to fuel the rumours himself – at least in public. But he has eschewed multiple opportunities to commit to Red Bull.

His media session at the Belgian Grand Prix this coming Thursday is one of the most anticipated in years. It comes after the sacking of Christian Horner, who’s been in charge since Verstappen joined the team in 2016 (and long before).

Initial reports claimed that Verstappen had a role in Horner’s sacking, but his camp have since denied this. The big question now is: does this decision make the world champion more or less likely to stay at Red Bull?

Max Verstappen would be following his ‘heart’ by staying at Red Bull

Speaking to F1 Insider, motorsport advisor Helmut Marko offered an ‘optimistic’ update on Verstappen’s future. The Dutchman has already written off his world championship chances this year after the two McLaren drivers sprinted into the distance.

“We need to convince Max as quickly as possible that, in addition to our great shared past, the future also lies with us,” Marko explained. “And I’m optimistic about that.”

‘Insiders know’ that Verstappen will make his ‘difficult decision’ in the next four weeks. His plans for 2026 should be confirmed by the time he takes to the track for his home race at Zandvoort following the summer break.

Verstappen’s ‘heart’ is apparently telling him to stay at Red Bull, the team who signed him back in 2014 and have helped him make history. But ‘if his head prevails’, he’ll join Mercedes instead.

The Mercedes alternative sitting in the back of Max Verstappen’s mind

Mercedes can make a compelling case for Verstappen to join. They’re widely believed to have the best engine for next year, with the current power units set to be overhauled.

Verstappen knows how much Mercedes can offer, though it’s unclear how much importance he places on his salary. He isn’t necessarily regarded as a driver who makes emotionally-driven decisions off the track.

But should he turn down Toto Wolff for 2026, it will revive Lawrence Stroll’s hopes. A move to Aston Martin is still in the back of Verstappen’s mind after their eye-catching recruitment drive.

In theory, Verstappen would like to stay at Red Bull for his whole career. But Lewis Hamilton said the same about Mercedes before he jumped ship to Ferrari.