Max Verstappen shuts down all speculation at Hungarian Grand Prix media day: “I never doubted my future, I am staying with Red Bull”
Max Verstappen spoke clearly and decisively on the eve of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, putting to rest all rumors about a possible switch to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Dutch driver made it clear that he never wavered in his commitment to Red Bull Racing.
“I never said anything about my future because I was fully focused on working with the team,” Max Verstappen explained. “It has always been clear that I would stay. The rumors about Mercedes were just that—rumors.”
Max Verstappen emphasized that the internal dialogue with Red Bull has been constant and uninterrupted, even during the most challenging moments of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
“We have always been discussing ways to improve the car and planning for the future together. If you want to leave a team, you stop engaging in those conversations. I never stopped. That’s how you know where you stand.”
Technically, Verstappen acknowledges that beating McLaren will be difficult this year but focus is already on the 2026-2027 project
From a technical perspective, Max Verstappen admitted that competing with McLaren in the 2025 season is not easy. However, the primary focus has already shifted toward developing the car for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
“It’s not simple to fight against Ferrari and Mercedes either, but there is a lot to learn about the car’s behavior this year in order to apply that knowledge next year,” Verstappen said.
When discussing performance, Max Verstappen openly recognized McLaren’s current advantage: “They manage their tires perfectly, especially on intermediates. Their front axle rotation is incredible without losing the rear. They are our benchmark.”
Max Verstappen’s personal future plans include endurance GT3 racing and structural work
Regarding his career after Formula 1, Max Verstappen has clear plans and ambitions. He is already building a GT3 endurance racing project and working on a solid foundation for his post-F1 life.
“I am constructing a GT3 project because I want to be ready when I finish Formula 1. It’s better to start early and make mistakes now, rather than improvising later when I stop racing in F1.”
On safety and wet-weather racing, Max Verstappen calls for balance between security and spectacle
Reflecting on safety concerns and races in wet conditions, Max Verstappen noted that the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix could have been a great race under the rain, but acknowledged how much more difficult such conditions have become.
“We need to find a balance between safety and spectacle. We can’t always wait for dry conditions,” Verstappen commented.
Verstappen expresses confidence in Red Bull’s new management team
Finally, Max Verstappen expressed optimism about the direction of the team under new management leadership.
“I like how Laurent [Mekies] works. He asks the right questions and pushes everyone to improve. The results will come in the next few years,” Max Verstappen concluded.
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