Max Verstappen stays put as he looks to extend his reign. GETTY IMAGES

Max Verstappen confirmed on Thursday that he will remain with Red Bull next year, putting an end to speculation about a move to Mercedes, who had touted him as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari.

Amid a wave of rumours about Formula One drivers changing teams, Dutch-Belgian three-time World Champion Max Verstappen has closed the door on a possible move to German outfit Mercedes.

In a press conference with journalists ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, a home race for Red Bull, he expressed his focus on car development for next year and his commitment to the team.

"OK, yeah," he replied directly when asked if he was staying with the British team. "I've already said that. We're working on next year's car and if you're concentrating on that, that means you're also driving for the team.

"Of course people talk, but the most important thing is that we have a very competitive car for the future. It's very close on the track, but we're working as a team to improve. We want to be competitive again next year," said the 26-year-old from Hasselt, Belgium.

Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain. GETTY IMAGES
Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain. GETTY IMAGES


Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had previously stated that Verstappen was his top target to replace seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari.

"I have a long contract with the team," added Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028.

"I'm very happy where I am and we're already focusing on next year with things we can implement on the car. So I think that should say enough about where I'm going to be driving next year," added the three-time world champion in motorsport's premier league.

Having won seven of the first ten races of the year, Verstappen has a 69-point lead in the title race over his closest rival and friend, McLaren's Lando Norris. The gap is huge, although it has narrowed on track.


Mercedes and Ferrari have also shown the potential to win, with George Russell taking pole position in Canada and Hamilton taking his first podium of the season in Spain last Sunday.

"It's great that there isn't just one dominant force now because people want to see battles on the track and drivers going all out," said Russell.

"There should be more than one car in a position to win. It's really exciting to see how this season develops and next year there could be four or five teams fighting for victory.

If Mercedes ultimately fail to secure Verstappen, they are expected to sign the latest prospect in world motorsport, Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, who turns 18 in August.