Max Verstappen has refuted rumours linking him with a future exit from Red Bull.
The three-time F1 champion's future has been a major talking point this season, leading to feverish speculation over a move to Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Red Bull's off-track issues regarding team principal Christian Horner, problems with the RB20 this year and suggestions of delays with its maiden power unit for 2026 have fuelled the gossip.
Verstappen, however, has confirmed that whilst he personally has not spoken to any teams, including Mercedes, that does not mean to say manager Raymond Vermuelen has not done so.
When asked if discussions with other teams had taken place, Verstappen told AFP: "No, for me the situation has never changed since I signed my contract."
Verstappen's intention is to remain a Red Bull driver until at least when his contract expires at the end of 2028, a deal he insists he has always planned to honour.
In addition, the 27-year-old is hopeful he will ultimately retire from F1 at the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
"That's clearly the intention," said Verstappen on seeing out his Red Bull contract. "I've signed a long-term contract with the team and, in a perfect world, I'll finish there."
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