Verstappen Dismisses Red Bull Exit Rumours Amid Focus on Performance Improvement
Max Verstappen has firmly rejected speculation surrounding his potential departure from Red Bull, insisting his sole focus is on enhancing his car’s performance ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Following a disappointing sixth-place finish in Bahrain, concerns were raised by Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko regarding the four-time world champion’s future with the team.
Verstappen Keeps His Eyes on the Track
Verstappen, responding to queries about his future with Red Bull, stated, "A lot of people are talking about it [my future] except me. I just want to focus on my car, work with the people in the team — that is the only thing I am thinking about in Formula 1 at the moment. I am very relaxed." The Dutchman’s comments come in light of rising speculation after his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was seen in a tense exchange with Marko post-race in Bahrain.
Contractual Clauses and Future Speculation
Earlier in the season, Marko confirmed the existence of a performance clause in Verstappen’s contract, potentially allowing him to leave before his deal expires in 2028. This revelation has led to rampant speculation about the driver’s interest in other top teams within the sport. However, Verstappen was quick to downplay these notions, suggesting that the conversation with Vermeulen and Marko was merely a standard discussion about the team’s performance.
Frustration After Bahrain
Verstappen discussed the team’s frustrations following a race marred by pit stop issues and lack of performance, emphasizing that all involved care deeply about the team’s success. The driver explained, "I think we were all left frustrated with the result and the things that went wrong in the race," underscoring the collaborative nature of the discussions that took place.
Title Aspirations Still on the Horizon
Currently, Verstappen trails championship leader Lando Norris by eight points after four races. Despite his surprise victory in Japan, the 27-year-old stressed that thoughts of a fifth consecutive title are premature, stating, "I’m not thinking about that. I just go race by race." He acknowledged the need to find a balance in performance, hoping to improve ahead of the Jeddah race.
Verstappen concluded by highlighting the long road ahead in the 2025 season, remarking, "This time last year at round five it was all looking great and we all know how the season ended up." Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful for a turnaround as the season progresses.
