Verstappen: My next move, if it comes, will be my last in Formula 1

Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull runs through the 2028 season, leaving fans and teams alike speculating about his plans beyond that. Will he extend his stay with Red Bull, or will he seek a new challenge with another team? Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari are all expected to court the 27-year-old, while other teams may lack the resources or ability to offer a championship-winning car.

Addressing the speculation, Verstappen remained tight-lipped but left all possibilities open, stating to Sky Italia: "My next move, if it comes, will be my last in F1. But that could also mean extending my current contract. At the moment, everything is still open."

When asked about the possibility of leaving Red Bull earlier than 2028 through a contractual clause, Verstappen was evasive: "Maybe, maybe not. It’s not a topic I’m thinking about right now. There’s still so much I want to do better this year, and the future is still a long way off."

Verstappen acknowledged the loyalty Red Bull has shown him, playing a key role in his rise to F1 stardom: "I’ve been part of this team for a long time. Every driver wants to win, that’s clear. But it’s easy to switch teams, and that’s not what I want.

"I don’t want my career to be defined by five different teams. I want to build a stable and long-term relationship with the team, to belong somewhere," added the triple F1 World Champion, who began his career with Red Bull's junior team, Toro Rosso, before being promoted to the senior team, winning his first race with them at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

For now, the motorsport world remains in suspense over what Verstappen’s next move will be, with his future in Formula 1 shaping up to be a defining storyline in the years to come.

No matter what they say or what their spin doctors spin, be sure, should Verstappen call either Lawrence Stroll or Toto Wolff, the phone will ring only once!