Max Verstappen hits back at Mercedes speculation with 'stir the pot' accusation

Max Verstappen has claimed that the speculation surrounding him and a move to Mercedes is due to people wanting to "create drama". The Dutchman has committed his immediate future to Red Bull, but only after weeks of rumours linking him to pastures new at the Brackley-based squad. Having engaged in talks with Mercedes, Verstappen is staying put for 2026 at least. Team principal of the eight-time constructors' champions, Toto Wolff, had been chasing his signature, but has since publicly shared his desire to continue with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for now. Whilst the wind was heading in that direction at Spa-Francorchamps, the Belgian Grand Prix results rendered the break clause in his contract redundant, as he now cannot fall outside the top three in the F1 drivers' standings by the post-Hungary summer break. Although he is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, leaving for the 2027 F1 season remains a possibility for Verstappen. F1 is ushering in a new era of regulations at the start of next year, and the four-time F1 drivers' champion may seek a move if Red Bull does not deliver in its first campaign as a power unit manufacturer. Further still, RacingNews365 understands that if Verstappen is outside the top two in the title fight by next summer, he can trigger a similar exit provision to the one he was rumoured to be interested in activating this campaign. Despite the considerable uncertainty facing the final two years on his current deal, Verstappen was quick to take aim at those looking to "stir the pot" over his F1 future. "People are waffling so much throughout the whole season, while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking - that's me," he told Sky Sports F1 . "And I do that on purpose, because it makes no sense to start throwing things around. And actually, that should be the same for everyone. "Some people just like to stir the pot. Some people just like to create drama. But for me, it's always been quite clear. "For next year, I'm already discussing with the team the plans and things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I'm also staying with the team for next year." Verstappen picked out a specific story that went viral on social media, rubbishing the speculation that he had met with Wolff in Sardinia to discuss a move after their boats were spotted on the Italian island. His remark did, however, suggest they had met, albeit perhaps not in a professional capacity. "And, yeah, if my boat is next to Toto's, then the boat is next to Toto's," the 27-year-old stated bluntly. "You can have a personal relationship with someone, even if you don't have a working relationship with someone."