Max Verstappen must stay at Red Bull in 2025. There is no truth in the rumors about Aston Martin, points out the German F1-Insider who has completely different sources.
The hottest stock in the Formula 1 driver market is gone for now. Triple champion Max Verstappen is using the summer break to reflect on his situation. Longer family conversations with the father are also planned. The former Formula 1 driver and teammate of Michael Schumacher in Benetton is currently spending a family vacation at his home in the south of France, near Monaco.
At their home race in Zandvoort later this month, both want to have more clarity on their futures. One thing is already clear: a possible move to Mercedes in 2025 has been postponed for now.
The reason: Red Bull sports advisor Helmut Marko fixed the contract with Red Bull until the end of 2026. This ensured that Verstappen could no longer use his exit clause. The loophole in the contract with Red Bull, which effectively runs until the end of 2028, means that if Marko leaves Red Bull, Verstappen can leave.
For a long time it looked like it would be like that, but then the Austrian made a surprising turn. Afraid of losing Verstappen, Red Bull made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Most importantly, he has regained the influence he was in danger of losing after a power struggle with team boss Christian Horner.
However, F1-Insider has learned that a move to Mercedes in 2026 is still on Verstappen’s agenda. Aston Martin is rumored not to be on the Dutch driver’s wish list.
Background: In 2025, there are again certain performance clauses in the contract that allow for change even without Mark’s help. Confidential, open and regular exchanges are already taking place between Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and CEO Ola Kallenius.
For Mercedes, this means that they will have to wait for the Dutchman. George Russell and probably rookie Kimi Antonelli will be the drivers of the Silver Arrows in 2025. The signing of the contract with the Italian prodigy, whom Toto Wolff personally took under his wing, will be announced around the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in early September, claims F1-Insider.
Verstappen set his sights on Mercedes for 2026
One thing is also certain: if Verstappen joins Mercedes in 2026, one of the two will have to leave the cockpit.
Insiders like Eddie Jordan also believe in a future collaboration between Mercedes and Verstappen. The former team boss of the team of the same name made a statement to F1-Insider.
“The turbulence at Red Bull, the departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley cannot satisfy Max and his father. In addition, Mercedes has gone off track and is getting stronger and stronger. So I would be anything but surprised if Max moved to Mercedes in 2026.”
