Max Verstappen announced on Thursday that he will remain loyal to Red Bull for the next four years. After numerous rumors about a transfer to Mercedes or McLaren, he clarified his future ahead of his last home race. In a special press conference, he explained his choice. Red Bull may not have made the most competitive impression in 2026, but Verstappen has confidence in the future. Moreover, the Austrian racing team also offers other advantages.
Read more VIDEO: Red Bull pokes fun at exit rumors Max Verstappen: ‘That can’t be true’
Asked about Red Bull’s competitiveness, Verstappen admitted that he is ‘dissatisfied’ with the current state of the team. “But I think you are never satisfied,” he added. “Even if you win, you are not satisfied. You always want to get better.” The four-time world champion was pointed out the exodus that has affected the team in recent years. In a relatively short time, Red Bull said goodbye to, among others, Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Christian Horner, and Helmut Marko.
“Of course, people have left,” Verstappen confirmed. “But at the same time, you look at new talent and bring in other people. And that is what we are doing. Time will of course tell how successful we will be. But that applies to everyone, right? Because no one can promise that they will win next year or the year after. So I have to believe that with the people we have here, we can do that. And now we just have to work for it.”
Read more F1 Academy driver Esmee Kosterman brings special livery to final home race
Prefer retirement over another team
The ‘hunger for victories’ still exists, despite Verstappen already having four titles under his belt and having started a family behind the scenes. His daughter Lily is ‘the greatest prize,’ he previously admitted to Formula 1 Magazine. “I still want to win races,” he assured emphatically. “Moreover, Red Bull naturally gives me the opportunity to do things outside of Formula 1 as well. So that is a big plus. It’s about the whole package, and I am just very grateful for that.”
“It’s like Laurent also said, it really comes down to teamwork. And yes, of course, a few names have left, but within a team of two thousand people, that doesn’t really matter.” About the rumors of a transfer to a competitor: “I have never felt the desire or need to go to another team. I would rather retire. If I feel good here (at Red Bull, ed.), why would I leave?” With a wink: “I just don’t feel the need to race in another color. Blue is my favorite color.”
Read more Max Verstappen reveals his favorite corner in Zandvoort, could it possibly be named after him?
Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
