According to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, ongoing rumors suggesting a potential move to Mercedes are likely frustrating for reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Mercedes driver George Russell recently commented that his own contract situation might be delayed by Mercedes` interest in Verstappen. Adding fuel to the fire, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff later confirmed that discussions with Verstappen`s representatives are indeed happening.
Verstappen, a four-time consecutive world champion, is under contract with Red Bull until 2028. However, his agreement reportedly includes provisions allowing for an earlier departure under certain conditions.
Speaking after the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying, Horner described the speculation as “a lot of noise” and reiterated his belief that it bothers Max.
Horner emphasized Red Bull`s clear contractual commitment with Verstappen, which runs through 2028.
He dismissed the ongoing discussions as purely speculative, stating that the team generally ignores such rumors.
When asked if he thought Mercedes was deliberately trying to disrupt Red Bull, especially at their home race in Spielberg, Horner instead suggested that George Russell`s frustration might stem from his own pending contract situation rather than Mercedes` tactics.
Horner commented that Russell`s potential frustration about his contract is an internal Mercedes matter.
Regarding Max, Horner stated that both the team and the driver have a clear understanding of their current position.
He concluded by saying that while speculation exists, contractual details remain private.
Notably, Toto Wolff had previously expressed interest in Verstappen after Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari, although recent comments had suggested Mercedes was no longer actively pursuing the Dutch driver until this weekend`s admission.
Verstappen`s standing at Red Bull seemed uncertain following a public disagreement between his father, Jos, and Christian Horner last year. However, the relationship between Verstappen`s management and the team leadership seems to have improved recently.
The key factor influencing Verstappen`s decision will likely be which team offers the best chance for future championships. Rumors in the paddock suggest Mercedes might have an advantage in developing the new engines for the upcoming rule changes next year.
It is unclear whether he would consider leaving Red Bull at the end of the current season or wait to evaluate the performance landscape under the radically new regulations taking effect in 2025.
Expert Opinion: Verstappen Likely to Evaluate Options for 2026
Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok predicts that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for 2026 but might consider a move in 2027 if a more competitive opportunity arises.
Chandhok noted that the specifics of Verstappen`s contract exit clauses are unknown. However, from Verstappen`s perspective, the logical approach would be to observe the performance of top teams next year and then decide his future path.
He added that virtually any team on the grid would want a driver of Max`s caliber, calling him the most prominent driver recently.
According to Chandhok, the upcoming rule changes and new power unit regulations could significantly impact the sport`s hierarchy for the next 5-6 years, similar to the shift seen in 2014.
He concluded that the current situation involves teams assessing the landscape for next year, anticipating that the driver market might become highly active in 2027.
Gilbert Pendleton