Verstappen confirms SHOCK talks over Mercedes move after Red Bull’s…read more
Max Verstappen has confirmed that he had discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff about a potential move during the challenging 2024 Formula 1 season. Despite his strong commitment to Red Bull, Verstappen revealed that the talks, which took place around the Miami Grand Prix, were open and constructive. These conversations fueled speculation about a possible future switch to Mercedes, though Verstappen ultimately reaffirmed his loyalty to Red Bull.
2024 was a turbulent year for Red Bull, with significant off-track challenges. Team principal Christian Horner faced an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior, though he was cleared after an internal review. However, this controversy led to rising tensions within the team, with Verstappen’s father, Jos, publicly calling for Horner to resign. Additionally, Red Bull experienced a blow in performance, with key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley leaving, which allowed McLaren and Ferrari to close the gap on the team’s dominance.
Despite these difficulties, Verstappen remained focused and clinched his third consecutive drivers’ championship, reinforcing his dedication to Red Bull. He expressed his deep sense of belonging within the team, saying, “I just feel at home there.” Meanwhile, Wolff’s public comments aimed at Verstappen during Red Bull’s struggles further sparked rumors about a potential future move.
Although Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and left open the possibility of future changes. He emphasized that while his discussions with Wolff were friendly and constructive, he remains “very loyal” to Red Bull. At present, Verstappen’s satisfaction with his situation leads him to focus on the current season, though his future in F1 remains a topic of intrigue.
