Red Bull boss says Max Verstappen wants to stay despite Mercedes links

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Red Bulls Max Verstappen looks on before the second practice session ahead of the British Grand Prix.

PHOTO: AFP

LONDON – Red Bull team boss Christian Horner suggested on July 4 that despite “all the noise”, four-time world champion Max Verstappen is hoping to remain with the team next year.

The 27-year-old Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes next season, with some Italian media reporting that Verstappen had already accepted an offer.

Speaking during an official news conference at the British Grand Prix, Horner conceded that exit clauses existed in the Dutchman’s contract, which runs to the end of 2028, but added that he felt Red Bull were in a “fairly comfortable” position.

“There’s obviously an awful lot of people talking about it, but what’s most important is the relationship between the driver and the team,” said a defensive Horner.

“There’s an agreement that defines that as well, and everybody’s very clear on where we’re at.

“Max has been with Red Bull since the very start of his career. All his successes come in Red Bull Racing cars. He’s a big part of our team and he has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him.

“So, whilst there’s always going to be speculation and noise, I think we all sit fairly comfortable with where we’re at and what the situation is. We can’t control the narrative of others but we know where we’re at.”

Asked if he could confirm that Verstappen would be a Red Bull driver in 2026,