There is a lot of talk about Max Verstappen and his future in F1 with Red Bull. In Thursday’s statements at Spielberg, the Dutchman’s words sparked excitement among the Austrian team’s supporters. However, from what we know, his intention is to stay at Milton Keynes. The talent from Hasselt sidestepped direct answers and, in fact, did not give a clear response regarding his 2026 plans. This context has taken center stage.
Interpretations of Max’s words
“For now, I’m not thinking about it. I prefer to stay focused and give my best. Then we’ll see.” This cryptic phrase opens up several interpretations. The first and perhaps simplest: for Max, it makes no sense to talk about the future on the eve of a Grand Prix. Not because he has decided to leave. Simply because in the mind of a super champion, adding extra thoughts when racing is unnecessary.
The interpretation closest to the truth is tactical. Keeping the team on edge with carefully chosen statements to the press is indeed a way to push the team to deliver work as close to perfect as possible. Not only regarding the 2026 championship but also and especially the present. Yes, because Max has not given up. On the contrary, he wants to fight McLaren for the title in 2025.
This can be linked to his reflections about the race weekend. In the usual media meeting, the reigning F1 world champion showed an extremely clear and aware attitude, without indulging in easy enthusiasm (he’s not that kind of person). He admitted that winning again at the Red Bull Ring will not be a given, as the RB21 does not arrive here as the favorite.
The current competitive context is very different from previous years when he often dominated among the hills of Styria. While recognizing that the home track suits his driving style well, Max wanted to stress that the past victories were not always spectacular. His goal is clear: to work at maximum effort to optimize every detail, leaving nothing to chance.
Max Verstappen wants to believe in the Red Bull project
We know the multiple world champion team is not standing still. Beyond the various upgrades already implemented on the car so far, there are other updates that Verstappen himself confirms. Max seems partly satisfied, confident that the Austrian team’s novelties can help reduce part of the performance gap currently separating the RB21 from the MCL39. Every small step forward can make a difference, he explained.
However, he is aware that the competition is not standing still either and will continue to introduce innovations throughout the season. In this perspective, the keyword remains: push constantly, trying to shave off the gap that has appeared after a more difficult start to the season than expected. And all this discussion ties into the future. As far as we know, the Dutchman does not want to leave the team.
According to some information leaked from his entourage, the primary goal is to honor the contract that expires at the end of the 2028 season. Obviously, although guarantees in F1 are fragile, especially with such a significant regulatory change approaching, Verstappen wants to see a serious and ambitious project, aligned with his unchanged desire to win after four consecutive titles.
For this reason, it is important that the current season’s fight against McLaren continues. Max wants a focused team that leaves nothing to chance and spends great effort preparing to arrive at the start of 2026 with winning options. Horner is quite confident about this. So is Helmut Marko. Both are fairly certain that next year Max will once again hold a Red Bull steering wheel.
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