F1 News

Max Verstappen officially stays at Red Bull Austrian GP

Verstappen confirms he will also drive for Red Bull next season

27 June at 13:14
5
  • Cas van de Kleut

Over the past week, there has once again been much talk about Max Verstappen's future. Toto Wolff told reporters after the Spanish Grand Prix that no decision had yet been made on who would drive in the Mercedes seat next season alongside George Russell. Ahead of the race weekend in Austria, Verstappen himself reacted to the issue.

With this, a switch to Mercedes would be off the table. Yet the German team continues to flirt with the triple world champion. The Silver Arrows' second seat is still empty for now, following Lewis Hamilton's departure.

Verstappen to stay at Red Bull Racing

GPblog previously reported that Verstappen would stay at Red Bull. The three-time world champion now confirms this: "I think I've said this before. Naturally people are talking, but it's most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future. At the moment of course it's very tight, but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more. I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again."

Verstappen is then asked if he would leave if his RB20 no longer proves to be the fastest car. To this he replied, "I don't think that's how Formula One works, where then suddenly you could say, well, bye guys. It's not how it works. I have a long contract with the team, I'm very happy where I'm at, and like I said before, we are also focusing already on next year with things that we can implement on the car. I guess that should say enough of where I'm driving next year."

"You didn't get that out of my answer before? I mean, okay, yes. But that's what I said. We're already working on next year's car. I think when you're very focused on that, that means that you're also driving for the team."