As of: March 23, 2024, 5:54 p.m
By: Christoph Wutz
Comments
Press
Split
Max Verstappen will not move to Mercedes.
He is pleased about the Silver Arrows' interest.
But his family at Red Bull is more important to him.
Melbourne – Max Verstappen has once again been the measure of all things this Formula 1 season.
The Dutch series world champion from Red Bull won the first two races of the year.
But the quarrels surrounding team boss Christian Horner don't leave the 26-year-old indifferent either.
As a result, Verstappen was even linked with an imminent departure to Mercedes.
However, the driver has now emphasized that he will remain with Red Bull – at least for the time being.
Formula 1 star to Mercedes?
Verstappen becomes clear
Verstappen told media representatives before the race in Australia that he wanted to fulfill his contract, which runs until 2028.
“I have always felt comfortable at Red Bull because it is like a second family for me,” emphasized the Dutchman, who is “pretty firmly” anchored in the racing team.
The now 26-year-old has been part of Red Bull for ten years and is currently in his ninth year as a driver for the Formula 1 team.
During the recent Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff publicly flirted with signing Verstappen.
“I would love to have him,” the Austrian enthused, bringing the Red Bull driver into play as the successor to Lewis Hamilton, who is moving from Mercedes to Ferrari next year.
For Verstappen, such expressions of interest are “always nice,” but a change is probably not an issue.
Formula 1 dominator Max Verstappen is happy about the rumored interest from Mercedes, but is staying with Red Bull. © Motorsport Images / Imago
“Must be respected”: Red Bull driver Verstappen supports Marko
Verstappen noted that he currently has “every reason to be happy.
The car runs really well.
That’s what I’m focused on,” the three-time champion continued.
He is currently comfortably leading the Formula 1 drivers' standings.
Recently there were rumors that Verstappen's sponsor Helmut Marko would have to resign in the wake of the Horner affair.
However, Verstappen clearly spoke out against it, as he now made clear again: “There are many people who have contributed to the team's success.
From the beginning.
And that has to be respected, I think.” It is “important that we keep the key figures of the team together for a long time, because that is where our performance comes from,” emphasized the 26-year-old in Melbourne.
My news
Weather models decide: “The latest forecast for Easter Sunday is a blast” read
Dead animal on the surface of the water: Fishermen make an impressive discovery while fishing at sea
At Peter Kraus' concert: child star Cornelia Froboess barely recognizable
From summer: This is how high the increase will be for an average pension
Skoda's novelty with a combustion engine impresses fans - read “It's sustainable”.
House-sized rocks thunder on the road from the posh ski resort to Italy
Will Verstappen stay in Formula 1 in the long term?
"I do not know yet"
So Verstappen is planning to stay at Red Bull for five more years, including this season. And then?
“I don’t know what will happen after 2028.
Whether I stay in Formula 1, whether I continue, whether I sign a new contract.
“I don’t know everything yet,” he revealed.
One thing is certain: the Dutchman will probably not be drawn to Mercedes in the near future.
Instead, a German driver could take over Hamilton's cockpit in the Silver Arrows.
(wuc)