Max Verstappen has given an update on his Formula 1 future. During 2025 the Dutchman’s further F1 career was repeatedly a favourite topic of speculation, especially when rumours suggested he might be open to a move to Mercedes. Right before the start of the 2026 season, Verstappen however confirms his goal remains to finish his career at Red Bull, although he calls the upcoming F1 year ‘crucial’.
With just over a week to go, the first test days in Barcelona are about to begin. For Max Verstappen that normally means only a short winter break, now compounded by an entirely new set of regulations coming into force for Formula 1. Red Bull will also bring a self-built power unit to the grid for the first time — christened DM01 in tribute to founder Dietrich Mateschitz — and team principal Laurent Mekies therefore expects a difficult start to the season. “Everyone will have their own difficulties and challenges. I hope, of course, that it goes well for us,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf. “I could stress about it now, but that would be pointless. But I do expect the gaps between teams to be larger this year. That’s always the case after new regulations come into effect.”
Crucial year
Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen already dubbed 2026 a ‘crucial year’ for the Dutch world champion, and the driver himself agrees. “A crucial year? Yes, actually,” Verstappen admits. Still, the world champion isn’t keen to add pressure. “I think I’m the most relaxed about it of everyone around me. I’ll be fine. It will work out in the end. Is there a chance I’ll stop altogether, even before 2029, if I don’t like the rules? Well, everything would have to turn out very negative for that to happen.”
Verstappen is under contract with his current employer Red Bull until the end of 2028. Team boss Oliver Mintzlaff, however, was already certain: the Dutchman will finish his career with the Austrian outfit. “That’s also the goal, I’ve always said that,” the Limburg native confirms. “I get on very well with everyone at Red Bull. That’s very important to me. And I’ve always said a lot of things need to line up, and I don’t just mean Formula 1,” the driver adds, referring to his racing activities with Verstappen.com Racing outside the top class.
