Max Verstappen is ignoring the talks of his links to Mercedes for the 2026 season. This comes not only as Red Bull struggles to equip him with a car capable of consistent race wins, but Toto Wolff has voiced his interest in the four-time champion.
With 165 points placing him precariously in third in the drivers’ standings, conversations surrounding Verstappen’s future at the Milton Keynes team have intensified – fuelled by quotes from Wolff stating his interest in the driver. But while Red Bull is facing even more questions regarding its performance this season, the 2026 regulation changes are looming.
The team, for the first time in its history, is producing its own power unit in partnership with Ford. And while Mercedes are confident in their power unit after proven success in the hybrid era, doubts from those outside the organisation are rising with regard to what Red Bull could be bringing next year.
Verstappen isn’t paying attention to such things.
“[2026 is] a big question mark for everyone,” he told The Athletic.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images
“For me, you just hope that you’re with the right team, and … I don’t (want) to say ‘luck in’ — but in a way, you do ‘luck in’ because if you’re a good driver and suddenly your team steps up, then you know that you have a winning chance. That’s how F1 works.”
He continued, adding that the noise surrounding his future is doing little to affect his mindset.
“I know what I have done to get here. I’ve known what I have achieved already in this sport, and I focus on myself, the people close to me. The team and family.
“I do what I have to do on track, and then, besides that, just live my life outside of it with all my passions. And with my family (too). For me, I don’t let it distract me (from) what I’m doing here.”
Wolff has since cooled his interest in Verstappen, confirming that Russell and Antonelli is the “absolute priority” as they look forward to 2026.
“The direction of travel is definitely that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the absolute priority. But you can’t look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don’t think there will be any big surprises.”
Photos from Belgian GP – Thursday
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