Max Verstappen insists he remains happy about his prospects at Red Bull and isn’t considering a Mercedes move for now.
New questions over the Dutchman’s future at the Anglo-Austrian outfit began after engine supplier Honda announced a week ago, they would be pulling out of Formula 1 after 2021.
That has raised the possibility of Red Bull having to reconcile with their previous supplier Renault, who would automatically have to supply them with power units if no other solution was found.
But when asked about the situation his team now faces on Thursday, Verstappen was calm and even jokey with his response.
“I just focus on this season and next season. I think that’s the most important,” he said. “What happens after that is so far, it doesn’t make sense to think about that yet.
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“We are still driving with them [Honda] for another one-and-a-half years, after that, we have the new regulations of the cars coming in, so there are so many unknowns.
“I’m just focused on what I have to do, which is drive the car as fast as I can with an engine in the back. I hope I’m not going to end up like Fred Flintstone where I have to pedal it myself – that’s quite physically demanding, I think!”
Even on the topic of reuniting with Renault, Verstappen was surprisingly positive.
“It’s not up to me to make the decision on the engines but I’m open to anything,” he stated. “I just hope I don’t end up pedalling it myself, I think that’s the most important.”
Even so, that won’t stop some from suggesting the 23-year-old, who signed a three-year deal with Red Bull back in January, may reconsider his future.
And on the topic of seeking a Mercedes move, Max did perhaps offer a hint that his view many change going forward.
“At the moment no,” he told RTL. “At the moment, they are the best but I feel good at Red Bull.
“Maybe in a few more years there will be other opportunities but I am not concentrated at that yet.
“I am satisfied at Red Bull. I would like to continue there for a few more years.”
