Triple world champion Max Verstappen has affirmed his contentment with Red Bull Racing but hinted at uncertainty regarding his Formula One career beyond his current contract, which expires in 2028. Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, the 26-year-old Dutch driver opened up about his future in the sport.
“I’m very happy where I’m at, and we want to keep it that way,” Verstappen said when asked if he would remain with Red Bull next year. However, he expressed ambivalence about his plans after 2028. “I have a contract with Red Bull until 2028, after that, I first want to see if I even want to continue. That’s for me the most important, it’s not so much about where. These kinds of things I don’t really think about at the moment.”
Verstappen’s comments come amid a season marked by both on-track success and off-track turbulence at Red Bull. Despite winning the first two races of the season, Verstappen has faced weeks of speculation regarding his future with the team, including discussions about team dynamics and management.
Earlier in the season, Verstappen suggested he might consider leaving if Red Bull parted ways with his long-term mentor Helmut Marko. His father, Jos Verstappen, also commented that the team could be “torn apart” if team boss Christian Horner remained in his position, adding to the swirling narratives around Red Bull’s internal affairs.
Looking ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the iconic Suzuka Circuit. “It’s quite intimidating the first time you drive around the track,” he remarked. “Even in the wet, because it’s so narrow, if you make a small mistake, you can go off in the grass or the gravel. It just adds a bit more to it.”
As the F1 community watches closely, Verstappen’s reflections on his future add an intriguing dimension to the ongoing season. For now, the champion remains focused on his performance with Red Bull, aiming to maintain his winning form while navigating the complexities of his career trajectory.
Reference(s):
F1: Verstappen 'very happy' at RB; Sainz wants future sorted 'sooner'
cgtn.com
