Max Verstappen has dismissed talk around his Red Bull future before the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix 2024 by emphasising that he is focused on working with his team towards the 2025 season.
A potential move for three-time champion Verstappen became an increasing source of speculation during an investigation into team principal Christian Horner earlier this season. Horner was exonerated of any wrongdoing by an independent investigation.
“I don’t think that is how Formula 1 works, where you could suddenly say, ‘bye guys,” Verstappen said in Austria when he was asked if he would leave Red Bull if its car was not fastest, via RacingNews365.
“I have a long contract with the team and I’m very happy where I am at. We are focusing on next year with things that we can implement on the car, so I guess that should say enough for where I am driving next year.”
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Verstappen demands ‘competitive’ Red Bull
Verstappen leads the standings after triumphing in Spain and Canada, although the 26-year-old had a wobble by his dominant standards when he failed to win two out of three races following four victories from five at the start of the season.
He retired in Australia, came second in Miami and finished a lowly sixth in Monaco, leading to debate around whether McLaren has the quickest car.
“You didn’t get that out of my answer before?” Verstappen asked when he was pressed about his commitment to Red Bull. “Yes.
“We’re working on next year’s car and the thing is that when you are very focused on that, it means you are driving for that team.
“I’ve said this before – and, naturally, people are talking – but it is most important that we just have a very competitive car for the future.
“At the moment it is very tight but we are working well as a team to try and improve and, for sure. We are working and focusing on next year to try to be competitive again.”
Austrian Grand Prix: Verstappen favourite
Verstappen has won four of the last six editions of the Austrian Grand Prix, including the 2023 race at the Red Bull Ring.
The first Free Practice session and Sprint Qualifying take place on Friday, followed by the Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
