Max Verstappen casts doubt over F1 future again amid Mercedes rumours

Max Verstappen has cast doubt over his future in Formula 1 again amid rumours linking him with a move to Mercedes.

Back in February, the world of F1 was shaken to its core after it was announced that seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton would leave Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season.

In recent weeks, Red Bull superstar and reigning champion Verstappen has been linked with a surprise move to Mercedes as Hamilton’s replacement.

However, Verstappen seemed to cast doubt over his future in the sport again when speaking ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

As reported by Sky Sports commentator David Croft, who said: “Sebastian Vettel always said when he retired from Formula 1 that if anyone wanted to give him a seat for a one-off race, Suzuka wouldn’t be a problem and he would love to come back here. But is Max Verstappen going to get that seat at Mercedes first?

“I don’t think so, I really don’t and I’ve not thought that he’s been going to Mercedes ever since these rumours started. He said in the press conference earlier that he was happy at the team he is currently driving for, at Red Bull, he was happy with the way things were and he was hoping it would stay that way”

Croft continued: “He also chuckled to himself and said ‘I don’t know if I want to be driving in 2026 or not’. That is the more poignant point, when is Max Verstappen going to stop?

“He’s contracted until 2028 and then he would take a long hard look at whether he’s still enjoying Formula 1 or not, but he might do it a little bit sooner.

“There are other priorities in Max Verstappen’s life and not just going out and winning races and championships.”

During the press conference, the Dutchman said: “I have a contract with Red Bull until 2028. After that, I first want to see if I actually want to continue.

“For me that's the most important thing, it's not so much about 'where'. These kind of things I don't really think about.”

Verstappen’s race at the Australian Grand Prix last time out was cut short after a brake failure meant he had to retire after just four laps.