Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 continues to be a hot topic, with speculation mounting over whether the reigning champion will remain with Red Bull beyond 2024. Amid the swirling rumors, McLaren CEO Zak Brown made waves earlier this week by predicting that Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of the season and join Mercedes. Now, Jos Verstappen has fired back with a no-nonsense response.

Brown’s Prediction Sparks Debate

Brown’s comments come at a time when Mercedes is actively seeking a long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will depart for Ferrari in 2025. With George Russell and rising talent Kimi Antonelli currently in the Mercedes pipeline but without contracts beyond 2025, the Silver Arrows have been widely linked with a potential move for Verstappen.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin has also emerged as a contender for the Dutchman’s signature, especially following the arrival of Adrian Newey—the engineering genius behind Verstappen’s dominant Red Bull machinery. Despite this, Aston Martin maintains that both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are locked in for the future.

Jos Verstappen’s Blunt Response

Jos Verstappen, never one to mince words, reacted sharply to Brown’s claim. Commenting on a social media post referencing Brown’s prediction, the former F1 driver dismissed the speculation outright, stating: “He [is] only is trying to steer shit.”

The blunt remark underscores the Verstappen camp’s frustration with the ongoing rumors and highlights their insistence that Max’s future remains firmly in his own hands.

What’s Next for Verstappen?

While speculation continues to swirl, Verstappen has remained focused on the track, maintaining his dominance in the 2024 season. His contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but ongoing tensions within the team and the departure of key personnel, including Newey, have fueled speculation that he may seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

With both Mercedes and Aston Martin seemingly keeping their options open for 2026, Brown’s prediction may not be entirely far-fetched. However, if Jos Verstappen’s latest response is anything to go by, the Verstappen camp isn’t ready to entertain such talk just yet.