P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A rumour linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes has been addressed by Christian Horner.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that Max Verstappen will not be joining Mercedes for the upcoming season, ending the speculation about the Dutch racer moving to the Silver Arrows. Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, and recent rumors linking him to Mercedes were fueled by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for next season. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff previously expressed interest in Verstappen, but it now appears that Mercedes is likely to promote their young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Horner reiterated that Verstappen’s commitment is with Red Bull, emphasizing that he is not available for Mercedes in 2025. The decision to go with Antonelli potentially shows Mercedes taking a risk with a young driver, and Horner commended them for that choice.
