Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen has said as long as Red Bull continue to show him loyalty, that is his only “request” of them.
As the latest F1 driver market ‘silly season’ continues to fall into place, the future of Verstappen continues to serve as a major talking point, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff having made his desire to lure the three-time World Champion over to Brackley very clear.
If Red Bull show ‘loyalty’ Max Verstappen never wants to leave
Additional reporting by Sam Cooper
The rumors about Mercedes were ignited due to internal tensions at Red Bull, which greatly affected the team at the beginning of the F1 2024 season. Moreover, the departure announcement of Red Bull’s design chief, Adrian Newey, intensified the speculation even more.
Verstappen claimed that Newey’s departure did not currently affect his future with Red Bull. However, emphasizing his loyalty, Verstappen asserted that demonstrating reciprocal loyalty is crucial to retaining his commitment.
“I am quite a loyal person and it is something that means a lot to me,” Verstappen told The Guardian.
I consistently ask the team for this, and their performance has always been exceptional. I hope to maintain this high standard indefinitely.
If this situation persists, Mercedes might never get the chance to sign Verstappen, as he seems content to finish his Formula 1 career exclusively with Red Bull.
Verstappen expressed his desire to complete his career at Red Bull, emphasizing the incredible prospect of spending numerous years with the same team.
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Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until the end of 2028, but it is uncertain if he will fulfill the agreement due to his occasional contemplation of leaving Formula 1. He often mentions the demanding schedule as a reason for considering such a decision.
However, Verstappen expressed that he has never regarded F1 as merely a job, despite the fact that certain aspects that are not particularly enjoyable can sometimes create that impression.
“I’ve always viewed F1 as more than just a job,” he asserted. “It initially began as a hobby, a deep-rooted passion that eventually evolved into a full-fledged profession. It doesn’t feel like work to me.”
Naturally, my true passion lies in the act of driving. Pushing the limits in a high-speed vehicle brings me immense joy. It’s the aspects surrounding it that seem like work, the less enjoyable elements.”
Leading the Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen aims for his fourth consecutive title, but faces a potential challenge. McLaren’s Lando Norris achieved his first career win in Miami, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerged victorious in Monaco, where Verstappen finished in sixth place.
Verstappen, however, has not considered any potential implications on the championship race.
When asked by various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, if the battle has begun or if it is too soon to tell, Verstappen responded by saying that he does not even contemplate such thoughts. He believes that there is a considerable amount of time left and numerous variables that can occur.
“The Championship won’t be defined by just one bad race.”
“However, I am aware that maintaining consistency is crucial for securing a championship, and that is precisely what we must strive for.”
Verstappen holds a 31-point lead over Leclerc at the top of the Drivers’ Championship.
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