IT IS DONE: Professional red bull F1 superstar Max Verstappen stun fans and leaves CEO Laurent Mekies speechless with major announcement concerning….

In a bombshell moment that sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Red Bull Racing’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen dropped a thunderous announcement during a press conference in Spielberg, Austria, just days before the Austrian Grand Prix. The Dutch phenomenon, known for his ruthless racing style, laser focus, and unwavering dominance on the track, left fans stunned—and left Scuderia Ferrari’s CEO Laurent Mekies visibly speechless.

The Formula 1 community had braced itself for some form of announcement, as Verstappen had been unusually cryptic on social media in recent weeks. But no one could have predicted the sheer magnitude of what was to come.

“It Is Time for a New Chapter”

Standing in front of a packed room of journalists and surrounded by his Red Bull team, Verstappen took a deep breath and made the declaration:

“After many unforgettable years with Red Bull, and three world titles that I will treasure forever, it is time for a new chapter. I am joining Scuderia Ferrari for the 2026 season.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

Reporters exchanged glances. Cameras clicked furiously. Team Principal Christian Horner remained stoic, though a barely perceptible tightness around his mouth betrayed the emotions roiling beneath the surface.

But the most telling reaction came from Ferrari CEO Laurent Mekies—who, though present via live stream from Maranello, was seen visibly blinking, then smiling in astonishment. He appeared to mouth the words, “He actually did it,” before collecting himself.

From Red Bull Royalty to Prancing Horse Patriot

Verstappen’s decision to leave Red Bull, the team that groomed him from a teenage prodigy into one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history, is a move few saw coming.

Under Red Bull’s banner, Verstappen carved a legacy. His back-to-back world titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023 rewrote records. He delivered some of the most dominant seasons in F1 history, even drawing comparisons to legends like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Lewis Hamilton.

So why the sudden change?

“It wasn’t sudden,” Verstappen explained. “This has been something I’ve felt building over the last year. The sport is evolving. The 2026 regulation changes will redefine how Formula 1 feels, and I want to be part of a different kind of legacy.”

According to inside sources, Verstappen had been in secret talks with Ferrari since late 2024, spurred on by Ferrari’s rapid resurgence and their strong hybrid development program ahead of the 2026 engine regulation overhaul.

Mekies, whose leadership has reenergized the Italian marque, had apparently pitched Verstappen on a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to bring the Prancing Horse back to the top.

Laurent Mekies: “I’m Still Processing This”

Speaking shortly after the announcement, a visibly shaken Mekies addressed the media:

“To be honest, I’m still processing this. Max is one of the most complete drivers the sport has ever seen. The fact that he chose us—chose Ferrari—means everything. It validates our direction, our development, and most of all, our spirit.”

He added, “This is bigger than just signing a driver. This is Ferrari saying we’re ready to dominate again.”

Insiders say the deal was finalized just after the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year. Ferrari reportedly offered Verstappen a record-breaking contract, rumored to be worth €80 million per year, eclipsing even Lewis Hamilton’s historic Mercedes deal.

But for Verstappen, the decision wasn’t about money.

“If I was thinking about comfort or income, I would stay where I am,” he told reporters. “This is about the challenge. This is about legacy.”

The Fallout at Red Bull

Though Horner kept a stiff upper lip, the loss of Verstappen will undoubtedly reshape the team’s trajectory. The Red Bull dynasty, built on the twin pillars of engineering genius Adrian Newey and Verstappen’s unmatched driving prowess, now stands on uncertain ground.

There’s speculation that Verstappen’s departure is the first domino to fall in a larger exodus. Newey, long rumored to be eyeing retirement or a move to a new team, has reportedly been distant in recent strategy meetings.

Team advisor Helmut Marko, who mentored Verstappen since he was 16, was not present at the press conference—an absence noted by many as significant.

Sources within the paddock hint at behind-the-scenes tension over Red Bull Powertrains’ readiness for 2026, with Verstappen allegedly growing concerned over performance data compared to Ferrari and Mercedes.

Horner, however, attempted to remain optimistic:

“Max will always be a part of Red Bull’s history. We’re grateful for everything he’s achieved here. We have incredible talent in our ranks, and we’ll come back strong.”

Already, names like Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda are being floated as potential replacements.

Fans React: “End of an Era”

The announcement ignited a social media storm, with hashtags like #ForzaMax and #FerrariVerstappen trending globally within minutes.

Some fans expressed disbelief. Others were ecstatic. One particularly viral video showed a lifelong Ferrari supporter sobbing while holding up a custom Verstappen Ferrari jersey, printed just hours after the news broke.

Red Bull loyalists, meanwhile, expressed heartbreak and confusion. “It’s like watching your favorite superhero switch sides,” wrote one Reddit user.

A Dream Line-Up for Ferrari?

Verstappen will reportedly partner with Charles Leclerc, who recently signed a contract extension through 2028. The two have a history of fierce on-track battles dating back to karting. Now, they will unite under one of the most storied banners in sports history.

Will it work?

Verstappen believes so.