Verstappen puts rumors to rest: No move to Mercedes for 2025

Max Verstappen has dismissed speculation connecting him to a move to Mercedes in 2025, reaffirming his allegiance to Red Bull.

Ever since a management crisis erupted at Red Bull, just before the start of the 2024 Formula One season, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shown his love for Verstappen.

Wolff has consistently positioned Verstappen as the best option to fill Lewis Hamilton’s soon-to-be-vacated seat at Mercedes, a sentiment mirrored this week by Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius, who declared publicly that Verstappen “would look good in silver.”

However, the Dutchman remains unconcerned about the Brackley squad’s advances. Speaking before of the Austrian Grand Prix, he confirmed his allegiance to Red Bull.

“I believe I have said this before. “Obviously, people are talking,” he remarked during Thursday’s media conference.

“But most importantly, we have a very competitive car for the future. Of course, things are tight right now, but we’re working hard as a team to enhance even more.

“And for sure, I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again.”

Following his comments, Verstappen was asked to provide a definitive yes or no answer on whether he will drive for Red Bull in 2025.

“You didn’t get that out of my answer before?” he asked, adding, “OK, yes, but that’s what I said. We’re already also working on next year’s automobile, you know.

“I think when you’re very focused on that, that means that you’re also driving for the team.”

Verstappen made it clear that this year’s harsh competitive landscape has not prompted him to doubt Red Bull’s performance or success.

“I don’t believe that’s how Formula One works, where you can suddenly say, ‘Well, bye, folks’. “You know, that is not how it works,” he said.

“I’ve got a long contract with the team. I’m extremely content where I am.

“And, as I previously stated, we are already working about next year and what we can do on the car. So I believe that’s enough to say where I’ll be driving next year.”