The Formula 1 realm is abuzz with speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future, particularly his potential move to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen himself hasn’t entirely dismissed the notion of joining Mercedes, should he opt to depart from his current team, Red Bull.
With Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, Mercedes finds itself with an open spot for the 2025 season. Verstappen’s name has emerged as a prime contender to fill this vacancy, especially considering the internal strife plaguing Red Bull.
Although Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the culmination of 2028, his recent remarks during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend hinted at uncertainty regarding his future, particularly if Helmut Marko, the Motorsport Advisor at Red Bull, were to leave the team.
Before securing his 56th career win, Verstappen addressed the swirling rumors about a potential move to Mercedes. Team Principal Toto Wolff believes that Verstappen’s primary desire is simply to pilot the fastest car available to him.
Verstappen said: “Well you know the thing is that no-one would have ever realised or seen that Lewis would have moved to Ferrari.
“In my life, and it doesn’t matter that it is not related to F1, just general life, you never know what is going to happen or what comes to you, whatever happens around you or what might influence you.
“So you can never say 100% that, that is how it is going to be [and I won’t go to Mercedes in the future].
“I approach my life like that, but I also don’t think about it too much, I am very relaxed and happy at the team, and happier that the performance is there.”