Verstappen explains F1 priority as 2026 options loom

Max Verstappen claims he is "not really thinking about" his F1 future at the moment, despite the 2026 regulations overhaul looming and a plethora of options being open to the Dutchman.

The 27-year-old is contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, he is believed to have a number of performance-based clauses in his deal that could open to door to a move elsewhere.

Throughout the current season, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been vocal about wanting to see Verstappen race for the Brackley squad, but since confirming Kimi Antonelli will step up from F2 next term, the Austrian has tried to shift the narrative to George Russell and the 18-year-old forming a long-term partnership.

Whether that would stay the case if Verstappen were to become available remains to be seen, but the three-time drivers' champion has options elsewhere too.

Aston Martin has emerged as a contender for his signature, especially following the capture of Adrian Newey from Red Bull.

Although, despite the noise surrounding his future, Verstappen maintains his primary focus is on helping Red Bull re-capture its early season form, with the RB20's performance having suffered greatly as the year has progressed.

When asked by Motorsport.com if he likes having multiple options open to him for 2026, Verstappen replied: "Yes, of course, I know it's possible, but I'm not really thinking about it right now.

"I think at the moment I have enough to worry about with other things we want to do better.

"We will see what happens in the future. At the moment I am not really thinking about it too much, to be honest. But if it doesn't happen, then so be it. It won't change my life."

Verstappen dismisses Red Bull concerns

There has been persistent speculation that Red Bull might struggle to provide Verstappen with a car worthy of his talents when F1 ushers in the next regulatory era after next season.

The Milton Keynes-based team is going it alone in the power unit department for the first time, in technical partnership with Ford, as Honda jumps to Aston Martin.

That was prompted suggestions that the reigning constructors' champions will are on the back foot, particularly pertaining to its fledgling engine.

However, Verstappen insists he does not see it that way, arguing that every team is in the same position when it comes to the 2026 rules change.

"Of course it is [a question mark], but you can say that about everyone," the 61-time grand prix winner explained. "It's a completely new car and engine.

"It's a question mark for everyone, also for the people who think they are in the best position right now. There's always the question of whether you really did such a great job and it will stay that way [until the 2026 season starts]."

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