Reigning F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing became a part of discussion after an alleged full blown power struggle broke out in the camp. Since Christian Horner got embroiled in a sexual misconduct case, the team got divided into two clear parties.
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen appeared on the other sides as Max offered unconditional support to Horner nemesis Helmut Marko. Amid the brewing crisis, rumors of Verstappen seeking an early exit from Red Bull gained momentum. And after significant media coverage, the Dutchman decided to speak up and clear things once and for all.
Max Verstappen To STAY At Red Bull Despite Raging Power Crisis!
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen appeared to be at loggerheads when the driver’s dad, Jos Verstappen, publicly sided with the female accuser and urged Horner to drop the victim card. This gave rise to rumors of Max abandoning his contract that extends until 2028. Moreover, the Dutch driver fueled the speculation by expressing support for Helmut Marko in his showdown with Red Bull leadership. Max insisted that his contract is tied to Marko and that if the latter were to leave, he would seriously reconsider his position on the team. The rumors mill has been buzzing since Verstappen’s latest statement, and subsequently, he was linked to Mercedes, who are in desperate search of a second driver after Lewis Hamilton’s departure.
Meanwhile, after weeks of speculations and uncertainty, Max Verstappen spoke to the Dutch publication AD and put rest to all rumors. The reigning F1 champion said nobody in Red Bull is currently afraid of him leaving in the near future. Moreover, Verstappen admitted that a couple of weeks ago, the feelings weren’t the same. However, he wanted the racing outfit to stay united and respect loyalty. The disrespect that came towards his mentor, Helmut Marko, mostly irked him. But now that the leadership and senior staff appear to be on the same page, Verstappen has made up his mind to stay. Additionally, the Dutchman insisted that his doors are open for anyone from the team who intends to seek clarity about his future. “They better not read it all for a while. And if there are any questions, anyone in the team can always call me,” clarified Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen Remains Mercedes’ Favorite Second Seat Candidate
After rumors of Max Verstappen’s uncertain future in Red Bull Racing gained momentum, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff set his eyes on the Dutchman. Notably, the Austrian remains in desperate search of a second diver to fill Lewis Hamilton’s shoes as the latter will depart to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Hence, Toto Wolff went on record to admit that his final decision on Mercedes’ second driver’s consensus hinges on Max Verstappen’s future. He would love to sign the Dutchman if he becomes available. But if that door shuts down, Wolff is prepared to sort out the remaining notable options on the driver market, including those of Fernando Alonso and free agent Carlo Sainz.
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