During an interview with Viaplay, Max Verstappen returned to the rumors of which he was the target throughout the season while the atmosphere at Red Bull was increasingly tense. Between the Christian Horner affair and the possible departure of Helmut Marko, all ignited by the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, the four-time World Champion found himself in a strange position while his father Jos demanded publicly the departure of the main team. For its part, Mercedes, looking for a new driver, wanted to take the opportunity to try to get him back.
If any type of hallway noise could be heard regarding the exchanges between the two parties, the Dutchman admitted to having had “very constructive discussions” with Toto Wolff’s team without it going any further, for the moment… The main interested party, linked to Red Bull until 2028, was keen to point out that the “contract breaches are quite rare” in Formula 1 and that “That’s not the goal. »
However, Verstappen does not rule out any possibility: “Even if it’s not my intention, you never know what can happen next year or in two years. It’s out of control, so I don’t think much of it. (…) You really have to think about this kind of thing very carefully before taking action. » His loyalty to the Milton Keynes stable which he considers his “second family” leads him to continue his adventure alongside Christan Horner and Helmut Marko for the 2025 season in search of a fifth title. “I’m very happy to be where I am. We won another title. It is logical to improve the car. I feel good with the team, where I can be myself. Everyone is working hard to give me the best equipment. »
Verstappen reflects on his “goals after Formula 1”
In the balance, “It’s not just Formula 1, indique Max Verstappen. Afterwards, I want to do a lot of things, I think about it. I wonder who the right partners will be for these projects. […] So I keep all doors open so I can choose what I think is best. » Focused on the upcoming championship, the level of which promises to be particularly high, the driver nevertheless confirms that he will continue to communicate with Mercedes without considering joining them in the short term. “ I am still very young, he reminds. A lot can still happen in the future”. If the first discussions did not lead to an immediate arrival at Brackley, the door does not seem completely closed…
READ ALSO > McLaren has “a lot to learn in terms of consistency”, judges Verstappen
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