Max Verstappen has signalled his intent to remain loyal to Red Bull despite speculation he could leave the team early. An intra-team power struggle at the start of the 2024 season sprouted suggestions that Verstappen could look to depart the energy drink-backed squad prior to the conclusion of his contract in 2028. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff publicly pursued the now four-time champion after Lewis Hamilton announced his exit from the Silver Arrows. Speaking to Viaplay regarding his future, Verstappen stated contract situations in F1 are not as fluid as other sports such as soccer. “I think if you look at Formula 1 in general, it doesn't happen very often that someone goes out from under his contract,“ Verstappen said. “It's not like in soccer, that you sign for five years and a year later you leave again. Somehow that just doesn't happen very often in Formula 1. And that is actually not the intention. "That's not the plan, no. But you never know what can happen next year or in two years. You can't control that either. So I don't really think about it that much either." Verstappen enjoyed a successful campaign this year, winning his fourth F1 title to join an exclusive list of the sport's most triumphant drivers. "Look, I'm very happy with where I'm sitting,” Verstappen said. “We won another championship. “Of course, there have to be improvements with the car, but that's very logical. I feel good with the team and I can be myself. “Everyone also works full-time to always give me the best material. In that area, I also have nothing to complain about.”
Verstappen voices Red Bull confidence
Red Bull endured a difficult campaign as its strong early-season form tapered off midway through the campaign and it dropped down the pecking order. Verstappen highlighted walking away from the struggle was not the right way to tackle the situation. "In the middle of the season we had a very difficult time,” he said. “And then you can also give up very quickly and look for an exit. But I think it was very important that I was working on that and trying to find solutions.” As the 2026 season under new technical regulations fast approaches, Verstappen stated he is confident Red Bull can produce a competitive car once again. “Everyone obviously thinks they have the best package,” he said. “You can choose something else, but then it is not a certainty that it will all work well. “I also have a lot of confidence in my own team, that they can get it done.”
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