Dutch driver Max Verstappen, the current Red Bull star and four-time world champion, has stirred the paddock by declaring it would be “a great story” to finish his career with the team that brought him glory. In comments released on Thursday, the 29-year-old made it clear he does not feel compelled to try his luck elsewhere.
“I Don’t Need to Change Just for the Sake of It”
During an interview posted on the team’s social media channels, Verstappen was asked if he would like to finish his career at Red Bull. He replied: “It would be a great story if that were possible.” He added, “As I said before, I don’t feel the need to change just for the sake of changing, and I don’t necessarily need to race in a different colour.”
These remarks come at a time when rumours linking Verstappen to Mercedes or Aston Martin have been swirling, especially after the departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull earlier this year. However, the Dutchman, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, seems determined to quash any speculation.
A Legacy Built at Red Bull
Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and has been with Red Bull since 2016. With the team, he has claimed four consecutive world championships (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024). In the current season (2026), he remains the top contender for the title, though competition from McLaren and Ferrari has intensified.
His statements reinforce the idea that the Dutch driver values stability and the sporting project over massive contracts. “I don’t want to change just for the sake of changing,” he insisted, hinting that his bond with Red Bull goes beyond racing.
The Context: Newey’s Exit and Red Bull’s Reshuffle
Adrian Newey, widely regarded as one of the greatest engineers in F1 history, left Red Bull earlier this year, sparking uncertainty about the team’s future competitiveness. Despite this, Verstappen expressed confidence: “We have a great team, we remain competitive, and that’s what matters to me.”
Speculation has also linked Aston Martin, which has signed Newey to lead its technical project from 2026, with a possible move for Verstappen. Yet the Dutchman appears committed to staying put.
Verstappen’s Numbers with Red Bull
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Wins with Red Bull | Over 60 |
| Podiums with Red Bull | Over 90 |
| World titles with Red Bull | 4 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) |
| Current contract | Until 2028 |
Source: Comments by Max Verstappen released on August 20, 2026. Original article at Imago.com.ar