In a decisive move that has stirred the Formula 1 community, three-time defending champion Max Verstappen has confirmed his commitment to Red Bull Racing through the 2025 season. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, the Dutch driver put to rest any speculations about a potential move to Mercedes.
After being asked multiple times about his future, Verstappen simply affirmed, \"OK, yes.\" He continued, \"I mean, we're already also working on next year's car. I think when you're very focused on that, that means that you're also driving for the team.\" This statement underscores his dedication to both the team and the ongoing development of their racing machinery.
Verstappen's loyalty is particularly significant given the recent vacancy at Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton's seat open for the 2025 season. The German team, under the leadership of Toto Wolff, has shown interest in Verstappen, with Wolff expressing that he would \"love\" to have the champion behind the wheel of a Mercedes.
Despite the rumors, Verstappen emphasized the importance of having a competitive car for the future. \"People are talking, but it's most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future,\" he stated. His focus remains on building a strong team capable of securing more championships.
Currently leading the drivers' standings by a substantial 69 points over McLaren's Lando Norris, Verstappen has dominated the season with seven victories out of ten races, including a recent win at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu of the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber showcased impressive performance by finishing 13th in the Spanish GP. Zhou reverted to his old Kick Sauber chassis for the race, finding comfort and improved performance with the setup. \"Back to the old one. And, yeah, seems to be picking up the performance,\" Zhou commented. His positive outlook on the car's grip and confidence bodes well for future races.
Zhou's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain as his contract concludes at the end of the season. When pressed about his next move, he admitted, \"Nothing has been decided yet. It's very easy to say we're all waiting for what Carlos (Sainz) wanted to decide in the end of the day. But, hopefully, he can make his decision sooner. And then I think, that will decide a lot of the driver market.\"
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Verstappen's continued dominance with Red Bull and the potential shifts within the driver market that could reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
