One subject dominated the build-up to this weekend’s British Grand Prix within the Silverstone paddock throughout Thursday’s media day; Max Verstappen’s future.
There was barely any room to breathe, not to mention see (or certainly hear) Verstappen as nearly all of the media centre crammed into Purple Bull’s hospitality for a 10-minute media session with the four-time world champion.
A sea of journalists swarmed Verstappen, who batted away a barrage of questions surrounding the most popular subject in F1 – rumours linking him with a bombshell transfer to Mercedes.
Talks about Verstappen switching Purple Bull for Mercedes have intensified since Mercedes driver George Russell claimed in Austria final week that his personal contract extension was being delayed because of the Silver Arrows pursuing his rival.
Additional gas was added to the fireplace when a report from Italy advised Verstappen has held “concrete negotiations” with Mercedes and even “mentioned sure” to Toto Wolff’s provide.
Crash.internet’s Lewis Larkam recaps what we discovered from what a tight-lipped Verstappen was prepared to reveal…
Max Verstappen is there… Someplace
Verstappen coy on Purple Bull future
Verstappen was in no temper to provide an excessive amount of away as he confronted a grilling about his Purple Bull future on Thursday.
The Dutchman insisted nothing has modified up to now week as he refused to be drawn on the hyperlinks to Mercedes and did his finest to dodge questions.
“I’ve nothing else so as to add in comparison with what I mentioned final week,” Verstappen mentioned.
“Now final week we did not have an awesome outcome. I believe it was not an awesome weekend, but additionally a bit unfortunate typically. I do not say after all that we are going to be difficult McLaren, however we might have had an honest outcome.
“All the things that I’ve mentioned that week [about my future] continues to be the identical. Nothing has modified from my aspect.”
When requested if F1’s new rules for 2026 might tear up the shape e-book, Verstappen retorted: “That is proper. That is why I am contracted to Purple Bull.”
When pushed to substantiate whether or not he’ll be driving for Purple Bull subsequent yr, Verstappen was much less convincing in his response.
“Like I mentioned final week, that is all that I’ve to say about it,” he provided. “There isn’t a choice in the intervening time.
“For me, it isn’t about ’26 or no matter. I simply concentrate on what I’ve forward of me [and to] work with the group.
“After which, after all, lots of people make up assumptions, however you already know that is not me.”
Max Verstappen and George Russell
© XPB Photographs
Verstappen received’t speak about exit clause
There was loads of hypothesis surrounding the main points of Verstappen’s performance-related exit clause which might allow him to depart Purple Bull earlier than his contract expires on the finish of 2028 if sure situations are met.
Precise particulars of this are usually not publicly identified and there are conflicting stories on what’s required for it to be triggered. In line with some, Verstappen would both have to be exterior of the highest two, three or 4 positions on the earth championship by the tip of the summer time.
Sky Sports activities have additionally reported {that a} charge “probably in extra of £100m” could be wanted to purchase Verstappen out of his current Purple Bull deal.
Unsurprisingly, Verstappen was unwilling to speak concerning the finer particulars of his contract as he merely said: “I’m not talking about my contract.”
F1 sabbatical dominated out
Verstappen was extra sure when the potential for a sabbatical from F1 was introduced up, one thing he was fast to rule out.
“No, no, no, no,” Verstappen replied. “F1 for positive and I will strive sooner or later, mix it with any form of different racing that’s potential, what I can put together for.
“As a result of I do wish to after all discover a bit out of Formulation 1, which as a result of I am already doing with testing however ultimately additionally racing.”
Requested instantly if a sabbatical from F1 could possibly be an choice, Verstappen mentioned: “No, no, for positive.”
