conjecture that he would be leaving Red Bull next season by definitively stating he would be with the team in 2025, despite repeated rumours that he is considering a move to Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes at the end of this season to join Ferrari and his current team have been open about their desire to persuade Verstappen, now a three-time world champion, to join them, despite the Dutchman being contracted to Red Bull until 2028. The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, has said he would want to bring the best driver to the team and made no secret of his admiration of Verstappen, who has won seven out of 10 races this season.
Speaking as he prepared for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen finally unequivocally stated he would be remaining next year, when asked for a yes or no answer.
“Yes, we’re already also working on next year’s car,” he said. “When you’re very focused on that, that means that you’re also driving for the team.”
