Max Verstappen has fired a clear response to all the rumours which linked him with a move to Mercedes, noting he felt that he did not "need to say anything".
For several rounds before the F1 summer break, Verstappen's future was the lead talking point, due to uncertainty over whether he would continue with Red Bull.
Despite being contracted to the Austrian outfit until at least the end of 2028, clauses in the Dutchman's deal created speculation that he could possibly quit.
It is understood Verstappen would have been allowed to leave Red Bull if he was outside the top three in the drivers' standings at some stage in the summer; however, that clause recently became void due to having remained in third.
Mercedes was ready to pounce on any chance to swoop for the four-time world champion, with George Russell having revealed on media day at the Austrian GP that his own contract talks with the Silver Arrows were being delayed due to talks with Red Bull's star.
Toto Wolff also later confirmed that conversations had been held with the reigning world champion, resulting in Verstappen, ultimately, announcing his commitment to Red Bull for 2026 in Hungary.
Throughout the period where rumours circulated like wildfire, Verstappen remained very quiet on the topic, often resulting in short answers which gave little away.
With his future now confirmed for the start of the new power unit regulations, the 27-year-old has opened up on why he opted against getting involved in the paddock gossip.
"Well, the thing is that there's always other people speaking a lot, while I'm not really talking, because first of all I don't need to, I don't need to say anything," Verstappen told F1.com.
"I think that's also better for everyone, instead of just waffling things around.
"It makes no sense anyway, it's a bit of a waste of time, but for me I'm very focused on '26 with the team, to look ahead and make sure that we nail the regulations, and that we are competitive from the start."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they reflect on the first 14 rounds in this F1 summer break special! Red Bull's early driver change is looked back on, whilst calls from Bernie Ecclestone for Lewis Hamilton to retire are discussed.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!