Verstappen reaffirms commitment to Red Bull amidst Mercedes speculation

SPIELBERG, Austria — In a significant development that dispels months of speculation, Max Verstappen has confirmed his commitment to Red Bull Racing, extending his stay through 2025 and quashing rumors of a potential move to Mercedes.

While Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, persistent rumors of a Mercedes switch gained traction earlier this year, especially as tensions mounted within the team following an investigation into allegations against team principal Christian Horner.

Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, has openly expressed interest in Verstappen. The team is considering their lineup options as Lewis Hamilton plans to leave for Ferrari at the end of the season. Despite this, Wolff stated during last week's Spanish Grand Prix that no discussions had taken place with Verstappen.

Throughout the year, Verstappen has remained elusive regarding his future plans. However, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, he made definitive statements about his allegiance to Red Bull.

"I think I've said this before. I mean, naturally, of course, people are talking," Verstappen remarked. "But it's most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future."

Focusing on the team's progress, he added, "At the moment, of course, it's very tight, but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more. And for sure, I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again."

When pressed further about his position for 2025, Verstappen decisively replied, "You didn't get that out of my answer before? OK, yes, but that's what I said. We're already also working on next year's car, you know. I think when you're very focused on that, that means that you're also driving for the team."

Despite Red Bull's narrowing advantage in recent races, Verstappen's dominance remains evident with victories in three of the last four races and seven wins in the season's ten races.

Regarding potential team changes if Red Bull's performance dipped, Verstappen dismissed such notions, saying, "I don't think that's how Formula One works, where then suddenly you could say, well, bye, guys. You know, it's not how it works. I have a long contract with the team. I'm very happy where I'm at."

With a clear eye on the future, Verstappen reiterated his focus, emphasizing, "And like I said before, we are focusing also already on next year with things that we can implement on the car."

The clarity in Verstappen's statements will likely put an end to speculation about his future, as he continues to spearhead Red Bull's efforts on the Formula One stage.

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