'It's quite straightforward': Verstappen drops $250m hint

Three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has indicated he will reject a $250 million a year offer from Mercedes to stay with Red Bull – at least in the short term.

The imminent departure of the team's legendary technical officer Adrian Newey has brought increased uncertainty around Verstappen's future.

Although contracted until the end of 2028, it's believed clauses exist that would allow Verstappen to walk away should either Newey, team principal Christian Horner, or senior advisor Helmut Marko, leave the squad.

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While a massive change in both aerodynamic and engine regulations is coming for 2026, the regulations will stay much the same for next season. 

Given that, it's likely Red Bull will still have the fastest car next season, where Verstappen could be aiming for a fifth-straight world championship.

It's something the 26-year-old is well aware of, and the reason he'll likely stay.

"I think it's important to always have the quickest car, because that makes it a lot easier to think about what is right," he said.

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"At the end of the day, we have a really strong group of people that maybe aren't talked enough about in the press in general.

"That's fine, they know what they have to do, they know what they are worth to the team, and they know how important they have been for the current success as well with the car. We just keep on working."

Rumours surrounding Verstappen's future with the Milton Keynes squad have swirled since the Horner scandal. A falling out between Horner, Verstappen's father Jos, and Marko further muddied the waters.

Mercedes have reportedly made Verstappen an offer worth close to $250 million a year to drive for them from next season – more than double his current salary at Red Bull – in the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton's defection to Ferrari.

Newey, regarded as one of, if not the greatest ever F1 designer, will leave the team in early 2025. His cars have won 12 constructors and 13 drivers titles, including each of Red Bull's successes with Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

Verstappen went on to say driving the quickest car was more important to him than salary.

"At the end of the day, it's not about money for me. I'm already very happy of course with what I'm having at the team," he said.

"It's really important about having the quickest car, and of course a good environment. That's what we have currently, and that's also what I asked for. 

"As long as the environment is right and we have the quickest car, then it's quite straightforward."

Newey has won championships following heavy regulation changes in 1998, 2009 and 2022, and teams will no doubt view his signature as carrying the same weight as a star driver.

Ferrari have twice failed to secure Newey's services – most recently in 2014 – but are favourites on this occasion. Newey has previously indicated a desire to work for the iconic brand, and also to work with Lewis Hamilton.

The F1 season continues this weekend at the Miami Grand Prix.