Verstappen ends speculation with Red Bull extension – Max Verstappen has committed his Formula 1 future to Red Bull until the end of 2030, but former world champion Nico Rosberg believes the McLaren negotiations that preceded the announcement may have been part of a calculated strategy.
Red Bull confirmed on August 20 that Verstappen had extended his existing agreement by two years. The decision ended months of speculation linking the four-time world champion with both McLaren and Mercedes.
Verstappen’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of 2028, while reported exit clauses had created the possibility of a move for 2027. However, the Dutchman ultimately chose to remain with the team he joined in 2016.
Rosberg believes that does not necessarily mean McLaren was ever a serious alternative.
Rosberg questions Verstappen’s McLaren motivation
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Rosberg suggested Verstappen may have used discussions with McLaren to strengthen his negotiating position with Red Bull.
The 2016 world champion said: “I don’t think he had any options. He was in talks with McLaren, but I think that was just to strengthen his position at Red Bull.”
The theory is significant because McLaren was widely viewed as one of the few credible destinations for Verstappen if he decided to leave Red Bull. Sky Sports reported that Verstappen’s management had held talks with McLaren over a potential 2027 switch.
Rosberg also suggested that Red Bull’s desire for stability could have strengthened Verstappen’s hand financially.
He said: “Red Bull need stability so you offer him a bit more money, and the range is from £70-90m a year, so let’s land on £80m – which is a lot of money!”
The reported salary figure remains unconfirmed, and should be treated as Rosberg’s estimate rather than an established detail of Verstappen’s contract.
Rosberg reveals Verstappen considered stepping away
The former Mercedes driver also offered another reason why Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull is significant.
Rosberg described the extension as “fantastic news for Formula 1”, adding: “Max Verstappen is currently the best driver, and we want him to stay here. He’s a phenomenal driver! He had been thinking about taking a break or leaving Formula 1 for a while, so it’s great that he’s signed a new contract.”
Those comments are particularly notable because Verstappen himself subsequently confirmed that leaving Formula 1 had genuinely been considered.
Speaking after the contract announcement, Verstappen said: “I think I was closer to retiring than changing teams.” Reuters reported that his concerns included the new engine regulations and the increased electrical component of the 2026 power units.
Verstappen explained that he had initially told Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies not to discuss his future because he was unsure whether he wanted to remain in Formula 1. However, discussions with the FIA, Formula 1 management and Red Bull helped convince him to continue.
Red Bull retains F1’s biggest star
The revelation changes the context surrounding Verstappen’s new deal. While the McLaren talks may have provided negotiating leverage, they were apparently not necessarily evidence that Verstappen was determined to leave Red Bull.
Verstappen has repeatedly emphasised his connection with the team, describing Red Bull as a “second family” and stating that he wanted to finish his career there. He also believes the team can return to the front of the grid under Mekies’ leadership.
Red Bull therefore secured far more than simply another contract extension. The team retained a driver who remains central to its plans for the next phase of the sport, while Verstappen avoided the disruption of changing teams or potentially walking away from F1 altogether.
The McLaren talks may ultimately have been part of the negotiation rather than the destination. If Rosberg’s interpretation is correct, Verstappen used the possibility of an alternative to strengthen his position — before deciding that his future remained with Red Bull.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
OF COURSE MV is the best driver out there … but to SPECULATE that he ‘used’ McLaren to increase the offer made to him is TOTALLY unnecessary.
These ex-drivers seemingly just want to see their names in print again … but it’s SHABBY practice