Max Verstappen appears to be sticking with Red Bull for the time being. The Dutch driver expresses a high level of confidence in his team, even as the new regulations are set to take effect in 2026. For Verstappen, loyalty is crucial, and he is patiently awaiting the developments at Red Bull, including the daring engine project.
Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes several times this season, but the German team’s underperformance initially made it an unattractive prospect for the Dutchman. However, this changed during the recent races, when Mercedes won three of the last four Grands Prix. Meanwhile, Red Bull is going through a minor slump, and Verstappen hasn’t claimed a victory since the Spanish Grand Prix.
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Verstappen’s Patient Approach to His Future
Despite speculation, Verstappen is not making any hasty decisions to switch to Mercedes. “I am a patient person, I don’t worry too much about things,” the three-time world champion shared when asked about his future. “Of course, it means a lot and I appreciate that my relationship with the team (Red Bull) goes back a long way. Loyalty is very important and I don’t think it’s always there in F1.”
Red Bull’s Ongoing Changes
Red Bull is currently undergoing many changes, including the departure of top designer Adrian Newey and preparations for the new 2026 regulations. However, Verstappen remains confident. “The key people are staying with the team and now we have our own engine project. How is that going to work? I have a lot of confidence in them, but we have to be realistic.”
Verstappen’s Patience Continues
The Austrian team is also working on their engine project, in collaboration with Ford, for 2026. Verstappen acknowledges that his team is at a slight disadvantage. “We have to compete against people who have been making engines for over a hundred years. They have a lot of experience, but of course, we have also contracted many people.”
