After emerging victorious in the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Max Verstappen jubilantly throws punches in the air to celebrate his triumph.
Quizzed on whether he’d consider changing teams with Red Bull’s advantage slashed by rivals, Max Verstappen says if that was his way of thinking, he’d “change at one point every single race”.
For the last two seasons, Red Bull has been the dominant team in Formula 1. In the years 2022 and ’23, Verstappen achieved an impressive record of 34 Grand Prix victories, earning him the title of a three-time World Champion.
Max Verstappen: It doesn’t work like that
However, this season has posed a slightly more challenging competition.
Despite winning the majority of the races, specifically five out of eight, Verstappen’s three losses stand out in sharp contrast to Red Bull’s single loss in the 2023 championship.
It has meant pressure in the standings with Red Bull 24 points up on Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship while he sits 31 ahead of Charles Leclerc on the Drivers’ log.
However, despite former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner’s insistence that this is not a decline for Red Bull, but rather other teams catching up, it has once again sparked speculation about Verstappen’s future.
Although the Dutchman has made clear that he is “loyal” to Red Bull and that the team’s loyalty in return “means a lot to me”, his current contract running until the end of 2028, he has previously stated when asked about his future that Red Bull have the “quickest car”.
Facing the possible conclusion of Red Bull’s dominance, he was questioned if he had contemplated switching teams in the future.
The latest Max Verstappen news
Max Verstappen reveals only Red Bull ‘request’ amid Mercedes move rumours
Max Verstappen invites entire F1 2024 grid to drive Red Bull RB20 ‘faster than me’
“He responded to the official F1 website, saying, ‘Well, it doesn’t function in that manner.'”
In my opinion, we possess an incredibly fast car. If we analyze the season’s average performance, it becomes evident that our car is the fastest. After all, leading the championship implies nothing less.
However, I am content with my current situation.
“We are currently witnessing a significant amount of investment in the engine side, which is quite satisfying. All we have to do is continue our diligent work and strive to enhance our overall package.”
However, that is the sole focus of my thoughts currently.
If you adopt such a mindset, it becomes possible to switch teams or pursue any change in every race, I believe.
“It’s just not occupying my thoughts.”
Read next: Follow PlanetF1.com’s WhatsApp channel for all the F1 breaking news!
