Verstappen firmly quashes rumours of Red Bull departure

Max Verstappen has decisively ended ongoing rumors about his potential departure from Red Bull at the year's end.

Supported by Toto Wolff, who has agreed to keep a spot open for the triple world champion until November if needed, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius stated last week in Barcelona, "Silver would suit Max well."

Despite the recent struggles within Red Bull and the less dominant performance of his 2024 car, the Dutch racer affirmed his commitment to his existing team and his extensive contract while in Austria.

"I don't think that's how Formula 1 works, where suddenly you can say, 'well, bye, guys'," Verstappen explained. "It's not how it works."

"I have a long contract with the team. I'm very happy where I am. And we're already focusing on next year with things we can implement on the car. I guess that should say enough of where I'm driving next year."

Verstappen's statements were widely regarded by media across the globe as a clear cut response intended to silence the ongoing speculation.

When pressed for a straightforward 'yes or no' on whether he would be driving for Red Bull in 2025, the 26-year-old showed some irritation: "You didn't get that out of my answer before? Ok then - yes."

"But that's what I already said. I think when you say we're already working on next year's car and very focused on that, that means you're driving for the team still," Verstappen stressed.

The leader of the 2024 championship also mentioned that he isn't overly concerned about Red Bull's bold move to develop its own engine in partnership with Ford for the upcoming 2026 new regulations era.

"The only thing that I can say about it is that everyone is pushing flat out to try and make it the fastest engine possible," Verstappen commented. "And I like to be involved with the discussions."

"It's a very exciting project for the whole team, and we have to wait and see, of course, how everything will be. But from what I can see at the factory, they have all the tools that they need to make it a success."