Max Verstappen, the esteemed driver of Red Bull Racing, has once more addressed the ongoing speculation regarding his potential ties to Mercedes.
Verstappen candidly acknowledged that he lacks the fervor necessary to embark on a new venture with a rival Formula 1 team, amidst mounting rumors about his future endeavors.
Toto Wolff, the head honcho at Mercedes, has subtly hinted at the prospect of pursuing Verstappen’s signature, particularly in light of the quest for a successor to Lewis Hamilton. Notably, Mercedes’ own driver, George Russell, has openly expressed his support for the notion of Verstappen joining their ranks.
Recently, Russell was prompted to comment on the possibility of teaming up with Verstappen in Brackley. In response, the 26-year-old racer enthusiastically endorsed the idea, stating, “I would be all for it.”
He further elaborated on his stance, emphasizing the monumental challenge of entering Mercedes amidst Hamilton’s illustrious reign, asserting, “I think coming into Mercedes in 2022 was off the back of Lewis’s legendary years and victories.
“And that was a huge task for anybody jumping into a team where he’s been [dominating] for so long. I believe in myself, and you need to go up against the best in the same machinery and show what you’ve got.”
However, Verstappen, whose contractual ties with Red Bull extend until 2028, has hinted that he harbors no immediate plans to change teams.
In a statement to Sky F1, the 26-year-old emphasized the gravity of such decisions, stating, “Well at the end of the day these kinds of decisions are not made very easily and I’m very happy with where I am.”
He reiterated his desire to be associated with the fastest car, a sentiment he has long expressed to his current team. He affirmed, “I want to be in the fastest car, that’s what I always said with the team. That’s what we have at the moment, and that’s what we try and have also next year.
“I don’t necessarily have the desire to suddenly build up something new or whatever. Because why would you want to leave when you are already in the best position and you think you can continue that for a long time?”
Verstappen’s stance remains steadfast, echoing sentiments he expressed prior to the Miami Grand Prix. At that time, he hinted that even substantial financial offers would fail to sway his loyalty in the current Formula 1 landscape.
