Max Verstappen makes feelings over Mercedes move very clear with six-word Red Bull remark.
Max Verstappen has made his feelings clear about a potential Red Bull exit.
Max Verstappen has once again thrown his weight behind the Red Bull project, doubling down on his stance after claims he’s unhappy at the constructor giants.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but talk of an early exit has picked up in recent months.
And given a free seat is soon to appear at Red Bull’s long-time rival Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s exit, Verstappen had been linked with a move to the German manufacturer.
But, Verstappen has squashed any claims of discontent, insisting he remains happy at Red Bull and isn’t looking to push for a move elsewhere.
Speaking to Red Bull’s in-house Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen said the Milton Keynes-based constructor “definitely feels like a second family” where he can “really be myself”.
He later added: “That first race with the team and the first championship [are the highlights]. That first race, of course, because I had just been promoted [from junior team Toro Rosso].
“Some people still question whether that was the right decision. Fortunately, that weekend went very well. Of course I was very happy about that, also for Helmut [Marko, Red Bull adviser].”
Verstappen continued: “He was also very happy, of course, because it was his decision to put me in that car.
“That first title together, yes, that one was very emotional. Especially after such a year, which demanded a lot from everyone. Those are moments I will never forget.”
With Verstappen seemingly out of the mix, Toto Wolff’s search for Hamilton’s successor is likely to rumble on.
Speaking to Dutch outlet Autosport Wereld about the driver hunt, Wolff said: “The criteria for our next driver are simple: We want the best driver available. At the moment, my first option is Kimi Antonelli.”
