ANPMax Verstappen
NOS Sport•gisteren, 14:53
Max Verstappen is not yet planning to switch to another Formula 1 team. The Red Bull Racing driver said at the press conference in the run-up to the Austrian Grand Prix that he will continue to race for his current team next year.
Verstappen, who arrived slightly late at the press conference, responded indirectly to the words of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
The Austrian let slip in the Italian media that the Dutchman is considering a transfer to Mercedes now that his car, the RB20, is becoming less and less dominant compared to the competition.
Verstappen does not deny this completely. “Of course everyone is saying all sorts of things now. But I want a competitive car. It’s just not like I can just leave if my car is not the fastest. I can’t say to the rest: I’m leaving. That’s not how it works.”
‘Help us create a new car’
And so the 26-year-old Verstappen is still fully committed to Red Bull. Behind the scenes he is working on the car of 2025.
ReutersMax Verstappen in his Red Bull car
“I am involved in the plans for the future and I am confident about that. If I am working on next year’s car, that means that I will definitely drive for this team.”
Verstappen surprisingly does not talk about the following year; his contract with Red Bull Racing runs until 2028.
Orange Army in Austria
This weekend the leader in the world championship will ride the Austrian Grand Prix. A race that suits the Dutchman well and where he is often supported by a large fan base.
“This circuit is also great for the public. You can see a lot from the stands, it is a kind of arena.”
It is hoped for Verstappen’s fans that he can make the Orange Legion cheer. The Dutch team was unable to do that against the Austrians.
“I was of course also very disappointed by that result. Austria was simply better. But we are now on the right side of the schedule.”
