In the early weeks of the 2024 Formula 1 season, inner turmoil at Red Bull opened the door to speculation about Max Verstappen’s future with the team. As Christian Horner faced an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with another team member, it was revealed that Verstappen’s long-term contract with the team contained an escape clause, allowing him to leave the organization if other critical team members also departed.
That fact touched off speculation that perhaps Verstappen could find a new home for 2025, and with Lewis Hamilton headed to Ferrari for the next season Mercedes was not exactly shy about their interest in poaching the three-time Drivers’ Champion. That interest continued into last week’s Spanish Grand Prix.
However, speaking at the FIA Press Conference Thursday ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix Verstappen made it clear: He is not going anywhere.
“I don’t think that’s how Formula 1 works where then suddenly you can say, ‘well, bye guys’. It’s not how it works,” said Verstappen Thursday.
“I have a long contract with the team, I’m very happy where I’m at. And like I said before, we are focusing also already on next year with things that we can implement, on the car.”
Verstappen was then asked if the fact that teams such as McLaren and Ferrari have closed the gap to Red Bull gives him any pause, but the driver brushed that aside, pointing to Red Bull’s continued competitiveness.
“Naturally of course people are talking, but it’s most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future,” continued Verstappen. “At the moment, of course, it’s very tight, but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more. For sure, I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again.”
