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Max Verstappen says he has no doubts about his future at Red Bull Racing. The Dutch Formula One world champion has been linked with a departure for some time, but now denies it. "Not at the moment," Verstappen said of these rumors.

What preceded it? Things are rumbling at Red Bull Racing. Despite three world titles in a row and presumably a fourth on the way, things have been very unsettled at the Austrian racing stable for some time.

  • The year began with an accusation against team boss Christian Horner over inappropriate behavior toward a female colleague. Although Horner was acquitted, that case is said to have thoroughly affected the atmosphere within Red Bull.
  • Partly as a result, Adrian Newey is said to have decided to leave Red Bull. The 65-year-old engineer is a true genius when it comes to aerodynamics and, according to many experts, the driving force behind the success of the cars with which Verstappen has achieved all his successes. He appears to be moving to Ferrari.
  • The Max Verstappen clan, which includes father Jos and broker Raymond Vermeulen, are said to have been at odds with Red Bull Racing's top management for some time. A lot of rumors are popping up about a possible switch, with Mercedes leading the way.

Max Verstappen's reaction

Asked if he has any doubts about his future at Red Bull, Max Verstappen responded on the Formula 1 website with "No, not at the moment." The Dutchman also put into perspective the impact of Newey's departure. "We have a very strong group of people who are maybe not talked about enough in the press in general."

Furthermore, Max Verstappen also made it clear that having the fastest car is much more important to him than a higher salary. "In the end, for me it's not about money. Of course, I am already very happy with what I have with the team. It is very important to have the fastest car, and of course a good environment. That is what we have at the moment, and that is also what I asked for. As long as the environment is good and we have the fastest car, it's pretty easy," it sounds.

  • With that statement, Max Verstappen seems to be indirectly responding to the rumors that appeared about an offer from Mercedes. They would be willing to pay him 150 million euros per year, three times his current annual salary. However, Mercedes' car has not proved good enough in recent years to compete for the world title. Therefore, without guarantees on that front, Verstappen's chances of a switch seem very slim.

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