Max Verstappen has played down speculation of an all-Dutch line-up at Red Bull in the coming years, with compatriot Nyck de Vries set to join junior outfit AlphaTauri in 2023. Verstappen signed a five-year contract extension with Red Bull earlier this year to tie him to the drinks-backed outfit until 2028. But while teammate Sergio Perez is locked in at Red Bull until 2024, de Vries' hugely impressive one-off appearance for Williams at the Italian Grand Prix has fuelled speculation that he may be in line for an eventual promotion to Red Bull alongside Verstappen. However, when asked about the possibility of the two Dutchmen lining up alongside each other at Red Bull, Verstappen refused to countenance the idea. "You shouldn't ask me that," Verstappen told Viaplay . "That also depends on what happens next to me with, for example, Checo [Perez], as long as he continues to perform well, but first let's just enjoy two Dutchmen in Formula 1."
Longstanding friendship between Dutch racers
Verstappen and de Vries have been friends for many years, with Verstappen previously revealing that he urged Red Bull to sign de Vries up for 2023 following the latter's points-scoring debut at Monza. While Verstappen burst onto the scene in F1 at the age of just 17, de Vries will be a comparatively geriatric 28 years of age when he makes his full-time F1 debut next year. However, de Vries has a wealth of experience in other categories, becoming Formula E World Champion in 2021, and also having raced with distinction in the World Endurance Championship, and Verstappen added that he was happy that his compatriot is finally getting a full-time ride in F1. "He now has a seat for the coming years and that is very nice," said Verstappen. "What I also like is that he grabbed that one opportunity with both hands. He immediately scored points and I am very happy for him. "I am also sure that he can learn well at AlphaTauri. Thatis also a very nice team and hopefully also a competitive team. It is of coursealso just about being able to fight for those points."
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