4-time world champion Max Verstappen did not get burdened by widespread hypothesis in latest months that he may depart Crimson Bull Racing for Mercedes in 2026.
Actually, he mentioned “it was very, quite simple” in making the choice to stick with Crimson Bull. He’s underneath contract till the 2028 Formulation 1 season however had a possible exit clause primarily based on his championship factors standing that ended up not being triggered.
“I solely say what I wish to say,” Verstappen informed ESPN in a report printed Friday. “And I used to be by no means even burdened about it in any respect as a result of … after all naturally you all the time wish to win. However on the similar time, you simply work on efficiency.
“Folks all the time give you tales or ask questions. However for me, it was fairly easy on a regular basis.”
For somebody in an intense occupation, this matter didn’t put him in duress.
“I feel generally, I am an individual that’s all the time fairly relaxed about it,” mentioned Verstappen, 27. “Like I do not stress out or go to mattress massively overthinking stuff.
“I simply reside my life, you understand, see what occurs subsequent. For me, there’s nothing incorrect with speaking or listening (to affords) or no matter, nevertheless it was all underneath management.”
What wasn’t in his management have been the statements coming from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who in Verstappen’s personal phrases has a superb relationship with the motive force. Wolff was brazenly considering the potential of signing Verstappen, even holding up contract extension negotiations with Mercedes star driver George Russell.
It did not assist that social media went viral with photos of Wolff and Verstappen spending time collectively on a yacht this summer season. Each have been vacationing in Sardinia.
“There isn’t any secret,” Verstappen mentioned. “I imply, I even went for lunch with Toto and the household and I feel that is completely allowed. It is not even that you simply talk about Formulation 1 enterprise, it is simply life. We parked up subsequent to one another as a result of we have been in the identical bay to sleep and in the course of the day everybody does their factor.
“However generally you meet up and you’ve got a superb relationship with folks. I feel that is good, that it isn’t solely about competitors.”
Verstappen is third within the drivers standings with 187 factors, trailing Oscar Piastri (284) and Lando Norris (275), each of McLaren.
The exit clause would have allowed him to depart Crimson Bull on the finish of the 2025 season if he have been fourth or decrease after the Hungarian Grand Prix on Aug. 3, ESPN reported.
Verstappen has two wins and 5 podium finishes this yr. In his profession, the numbers are 65 and 117, respectively. He had double-digit race wins from 2021-23 with 10, 15 and 19.
The Dutchman is within the Netherlands this week for the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday.
–Area Degree Media/Reuters
