As the British Grand Prix approaches, the focus at Silverstone is almost entirely on one topic – the potential transfer of Max Verstappen to Mercedes. The Dutchman can neither confirm nor deny that he will leave Red Bull; when asked, he does not dare to guarantee that he will stay. Team boss Christian Horner also cannot confirm that his star driver will stay, although he does not seem to be actively looking for a replacement.
During the official FIA press conference, Horner was naturally asked again about the rumors surrounding Verstappen. “A lot of people are talking about it, but in the end it’s about the relationship between the driver and the team,” he explained. “We have a contract and we are in full agreement. Verstappen has been very important to our team and still has a lot of confidence in the people around him. Of course, there will always be rumors, but we feel comfortable at this moment. I obviously can’t speak for other parties, but we are very confident in our case.”
Oscar Piastri to Red Bull?
Horner was then asked if he had a replacement in mind, should Verstappen decide to leave. “Oscar Piastri,” he joked, looking at McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who was also present at the press conference. “Verstappen has a contract until 2028,” he continued seriously. “He has also always said that he wants to end his career with us – I think that’s a wonderful promise. It’s our job to improve the package and offer him a competitive car.””Furthermore, contracts between drivers and teams are always discussed behind closed doors,” Horner explained. “Of course, there are exit clauses, but his intention is to drive for Red Bull next year. Verstappen is naturally in demand with other teams, but for us, the most important thing is that the driver and the team are clear with each other, and that is now the case.” Yet, the press continued to press on possible replacements. Could Red Bull, for example, take over George Russell from Mercedes? “It’s remarkable that Russell is even on the market,” Horner stated. “We haven’t had any discussions; I assume he will stay with Mercedes.”
Regulations of 2026
Horner explained the uncertainty around Verstappen by pointing to the major changes that Formula 1 is facing. “2026 will be a transformational year,” said the Brit. “We are facing the biggest regulatory change in fifty years. No one can say with certainty what the balance of power will look like then. So stepping into a Mercedes offers no guarantees.” According to Horner, the new rules could lead to a new period of dominance: “We have already experienced two such periods, with Sebastian Vettel and with Max Verstappen. We are now working towards a third, preferably again with Max.”
At the end of the press conference, Horner did reveal something about a possible departure of his lead driver. “He has been vital for the past ten years,” he concluded. “If he decides to leave one day – whenever that is – we as a team always look forward, to the future and the next generation. That’s why Arvid Lindblad was in the car this weekend.” The 17-year-old Brit made his Formula 1 debut during the first free practice at Silverstone. “That being said, I hope it will be a few more years before Max leaves.”
