Verstappen: 'Next step my last in F1'

Max Verstappen has confirmed the "next step" in his F1 career will be his last, further fanning the flames of speculation surrounding his future.

Despite that remark, the Red Bull driver insists "everything is still possible" and that his final move could merely be an extension to his existing contract, which is due to expire at the end of 2028.

The Dutchman has been subject to various rumours over his future during the course of the current season.

Both leaving the Milton Keynes squad and F1 altogether have been mooted as potential options for the three-time drivers' champion.

Mercedes is known to be keen on Verstappen, even if Toto Wolff has moved to distance himself from the speculation he helped fuel, in the wake of signing Kimi Antonelli for 2025.

And following confirmation of Adrian Newey's Aston Martin switch, it has been contended that the Silverstone-based team will make a play for the 27-year-old's signature, too. 

Regardless of what move Verstappen ultimately opts for, he plans for it to be the final one in his F1 career, telling Sky Italia: "My next step, if there is one, will be my last.

"That could also mean that I renew my existing contract. Everything is still possible at the moment."

Verstappen to avoid Alonso/Ricciardo scenario

Part of what has driven rumours focused on Verstappen's future have been reports that certain clauses in his Red Bull contract could allow him to forgo that deal earlier than the 2028 point of expiration.

However, when asked if that was the case, the 61-time grand prix winner refused to give anything concrete away, replying: "Maybe, maybe not."

Despite the attention, Verstappen maintains he is not currently entertaining thoughts about his long-term future, with or without Red Bull.

"It's also not something I'm thinking about right now because there's so much I want to do better this year and everything that comes in the future is still a long way off," he added. "It's not an issue right now."

Whilst many drivers jump between teams throughout their careers, such as Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo, something which has arguably been to the detriment of both, Verstappen prefers the stability and familiarity of staying put.

Having become a Red Bull junior prior to reaching F1, the Dutchman spent just over a season with Toro Rosso before graduating to the main team in 2016, where he has been ever since.

"I have been part of this team for a long time," reflected Verstappen. "Ultimately, every driver in the paddock wants to win. It is very easy to change teams, but I don't want my career to be marked in this way. I don't want to be part of four or five different teams.

"I want to build a long and stable relationship with everyone in the team and I want to feel at home somewhere. Changing teams is not really my thing and it is not something I want to do at this stage of my career."

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