Former world champion does not see Verstappen going to Mercedes: ‘Max is not leaving Red Bull’

Despite persistent rumors about a possible departure of Max Verstappen to the Mercedes Formula 1 team, Jenson Button is fully convinced that the three-time world champion will end his F1 career with Red Bull Racing. However, the former world champion is a lot less certain about Adrian Newey staying longer, but Button thinks that Verstappen could play an important role there.

If we can believe the experts, Verstappen will almost certainly leave Red Bull and Mercedes would then have the best credentials to secure the services of the 26-year-old Dutchman. Button doesn’t believe it at all. “Max (Verstappen, ed.) is not leaving,” the 2009 world champion is certain. Sky Sports podcast. ‘He doesn’t have to leave. You know, he’s in such a strong position right now. I think Max will already end his career at Red Bull. That’s what I feel. Whether that’s three years from now, five years from now, or however many years from now, I think he will end his career at Red Bull.”

According to Button, speculation about the future of prominent figures in the sport is mainly a way to keep things exciting for the media and fans. ‘If a driver says he’s leaving and he’s already in the best car and he’s a three-time world champion. He can go to another team, because that is exciting,” Button echoes the words of the media and others. ‘But you know, it’s already exciting. I mean, these are the years we’ll be talking about for decades to come. About the great Max Verstappen and about Red Bull, a company that sells energy drinks and wins several championships.’

“So yes, I think this is a great time for motorsport,” continues the 2009 world champion. “We are never 100 percent satisfied. But we never actually are, right? We want more action, more excitement and more controversy,” said the former Brawn GP driver.

Verstappen may be able to convince Newey to stay

While Button does not see Verstappen leaving Red Bull, he does not dare to make a prediction about Newey. The Briton does think that the Dutchman may be able to convince Newey to stay with the Austrian team. “If he wants to continue racing in F1 and still wants the great Adrian Newey to work on his car and develop it, then it is very important for a driver to go to a team principal or chief designer and spend time with him,” he said. Button, before explaining his comment.

‘Most drivers wouldn’t do that. But I think it would be really good for Max to spend time with Adrian and discuss his reasons for leaving with him. Drivers don’t realize how much influence they have on a team, but their influence is enormous. Especially with someone like Max,” Button said.