In the early weeks of the 2024 Formula 1 season, inside turmoil at Red Bull opened the door to hypothesis about Max Verstappen’s future with the crew. As Christian Horner confronted an inner investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with one other crew member, it was revealed that Verstappen’s long-term contract with the crew contained an escape clause, permitting him to go away the group if different crucial crew members additionally departed.
That reality touched off hypothesis that maybe Verstappen might discover a new dwelling for 2025, and with Lewis Hamilton headed to Ferrari for the subsequent season Mercedes was not precisely shy about their curiosity in poaching the three-time Drivers’ Champion. That interest continued into final week’s Spanish Grand Prix.
However, talking on the FIA Press Conference Thursday forward of the Austrian Grand Prix Verstappen made it clear: He shouldn’t be going wherever.
“I don’t assume that’s how Formula 1 works the place then all of a sudden you’ll be able to say, ‘properly, bye guys’. It’s not the way it works,” mentioned Verstappen Thursday.
“I’ve a protracted contract with the crew, I’m very glad the place I’m at. And like I mentioned earlier than, we’re focusing additionally already on subsequent yr with issues that we will implement, on the automotive.”
Verstappen was then requested if the truth that groups equivalent to McLaren and Ferrari have closed the hole to Red Bull offers him any pause, however the driver brushed that apart, pointing to Red Bull’s continued competitiveness.
“Naturally in fact persons are speaking, nevertheless it’s most essential simply that we’ve a really aggressive automotive for the long run,” continued Verstappen. “At the second, in fact, it’s very tight, however we’re working very properly as a crew to attempt to enhance extra. For certain, I mentioned this already with the crew, we’re working and focusing additionally on subsequent yr to attempt to be aggressive once more.”
