As curiosity about Red Bull’s top driver Max Verstappen’s future grows, he has acknowledged he wouldn’t have the “desire” to start a new project with a rival F1 team. As he looks to replace Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff has made suggestions that he may want Verstappen’s signature. Silver Arrows driver George Russell has also stated that he would be in favour of a transfer for the Dutchman.
Russell was questioned about the possibility of teaming up with Verstappen in Brackley at the beginning of the month. “I would be all for it,” the 26-year-old continued. He continued, saying, “I think Lewis’s legendary years and victories served as a springboard for coming into Mercedes in 2022, and that was a huge task for anybody jumping into a team where he’s been [dominating] for so long.” I have faith in my abilities, and you should test yourself against the greatest using the same equipment.
However, Verstappen has made it clear that he has no plans to leave Red Bull anytime soon. He is under contract there till 2028.
The 26-year-old told Sky F1 that these kinds of decisions are not taken lightly and that he is content with his current situation. “I’ve always told the team that I want to be in the fastest car. it’s what we currently have, and we’ll continue to strive for it come next year.
“I’m not really in the mood to start from scratch or do anything like that. Given that you are in the greatest position and believe you can stay there for a long time, why would you want to leave?
Verstappen’s statement aligns with remarks he made prior to the Miami Grand Prix, indicating that the current state of Formula One would prevent even large sums of money from turning his head.
Right now, Red Bull is where I see my future,” he emphasised. “Let’s imagine that a €150 million [£128 million] contract ultimately materialises, but that kind of money won’t be the deciding factor for me to move anywhere.
“I’m happy with what I am earning and it is about performance; even €250 million [£214 million] isn’t enough.” Everyone understands that it is always about performance, therefore I know that if I were driving for P5 or P6, I would become quite irritated. Toto is aware of that as well.
