Max Verstappen dismissed the notion that a lucrative offer is a driving force behind his decision to join a different team.
Max Verstappen said he’s not interested in the sky-high financial offers that have been at the centre of rumours regarding a switch to Mercedes.
Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, Max Verstappen, the current World Champion, has become the subject of driver market speculations. Mercedes has openly shown interest in him, attempting to lure him away from the Milton Keynes-based team.
Max Verstappen: The quickest car is what’s more important
There have been rumors circulating that Verstappen has received a lucrative offer to depart from Red Bull and join Mercedes, potentially amounting to a staggering €150 million annually. It is worth noting that driver salaries are not subject to the budget cap.
However, even if the figure is correct, Verstappen maintains that he has no intention of changing teams due to those factors.
“In essence, my main focus isn’t on monetary gains. Naturally, I’m already content with my current position within the team,” he informed the media in Miami.
Having the fastest car and maintaining a positive environment are both crucial aspects. These are the conditions we currently possess and what I specifically requested. If the environment remains favorable and our car remains the quickest, everything will be relatively simple.
“In the grand scheme of things, even if that were to happen, and let’s assume it does, 150 million dollars would not be the deciding factor for me to choose a destination.”
“I am content with my current earnings; my focus is on performance.”
“I am aware that whenever I am driving at a P5 or P6 position, I tend to become quite irritable with myself. Ultimately, it all boils down to performance. This is common knowledge, even for Toto Wolff.”
Verstappen firmly stated that his current focus lies within Red Bull, dismissing any speculation about his uncertainty regarding his future amidst rumors of lucrative offers being presented to him.
As for Wolff’s overtures towards him in a bid to try attracting him to slot into Lewis Hamilton’s vacant Mercedes, Verstappen said he has no problems with the Austrian making the attempt.
“He believes that it is important for everyone to maintain a constant sense of optimism and hope,” he stated.
Currently, I am inclined to remain with the team as I have faith in the collective project we are undertaking with all members involved.
However, ultimately, whether in sports or in life, the uncertainty of the future remains unknown.
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As Verstappen’s future with Red Bull appears to be secure at the moment, the Milton Keynes team faces a hurdle in the form of losing Adrian Newey, their chief technical officer, who will be moving on to new opportunities by mid-2025.
Anthony Davidson, a former racer and F1 pundit, expressed to Sky F1 that the two accomplished athletes, following their prolonged period of dominance, may now seek fresh endeavors.
He stated that Max and Adrian share a common desire – to be part of the top team that offers them the greatest opportunity for success.
Adrian Newey perhaps has a bit more freedom in this regard. Drivers rely heavily on the machinery to deliver performance, and Newey’s expertise allows him to push it that extra mile.
However, Adrian seems to excel when faced with a greater challenge. It is possible that he may consider joining a team like Williams, completing a full circle and ultimately bringing exceptional performance to a team in desperate need of it.
However, based on the current rumors, it is highly probable that he will join the red team. Just like it enticed Lewis Hamilton to seek a new challenge and embark on a new chapter, perhaps it could also attract Adrian Newey. With some additional assistance, they might be able to surpass Red Bull.
“What’s intriguing is the upcoming engine regulation change in 2026, which Max must be keeping a close watch on.”
“He must be pondering whether Red Bull Powertrains will truly provide him with everything he desires and requires in terms of the complete package, encompassing both the car and power unit. This question poses quite a challenge to answer.”
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