Max Verstappen exchanges notes with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase (right) and Red Bull driver programme director Helmut Marko (left), testing ahead of this weekend’s first Chinese Grand Prix in five years. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP)
Max Verstappen publicly recommitted to his long-term career at Red Bull on Thursday, saying that as long as he is happy, “there will be no explanation for why he is leaving”.
There have been speculations that the three-time world champion could sign up for Mercedes to upgrade Lewis Hamilton next year after Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was accused of misplaced conduct towards a colleague.
Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing before the season opener in Bahrain, but the off-court scandal lasted for weeks.
Verstappen signed with Red Bull until 2028 but warned earlier in the season that he would leave if the team broke tactics with mentor Helmut Marko.
Verstappen’s father Jos says Red Bull will be “wrecked” if Horner remains in his position.
However, discussions in the Shanghai paddock this week have focused decidedly on the race, in which Verstappen.
“After 2021, I signed a long-term contract with the team. The only thing I said from the beginning is that I was looking to have a calm and non-violent atmosphere,” Verstappen told reporters.
“We’ve been talking about the car lately, so I’m already very satisfied with that. That’s right, too. And of course, as long as he’s satisfied with the team, there was never an explanation as to why he was leaving. “.
Verstappen is aiming for a fourth race win in 2024 but admitted that the weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix would be an unknown.
The Formula 1 circus returns to the Shanghai International Circuit for the first time in years with a sprint race on Saturday.
“With the new cars, of course, there will be a bit of the unknown,” Verstappen said. “Of course, it’s the same for everyone. “
There is only one practice consultation on Friday before qualifying, so Verstappen said it is vital that the team gets the set-up right as soon as possible.
“We want to have a smart FP1 where we don’t want to modify the car too much. It’s going to help,” he said.
“Time will tell, I’m too worried. “
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