Before the Japan GP

After change rumors: Verstappen speaks plainly

Max Verstappen

(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

After numerous transfer rumors, Max Verstappen spoke plainly before the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite internal problems within the team at the start of the season, the Dutchman committed himself to the team. "I'm very happy where I am right now and I want to keep it that way," said the 26-year-old.

Earlier, he had jokingly said with a laugh: "It all depends on whether I want to drive next year." It is extremely unlikely that the three-time champion will end his career, as he later clarified himself: "I have a contract with Red Bull until 2028, and only after that do I want to see whether I want to continue at all."

Wolff dredges up Verstappen
There has been speculation for weeks that Verstappen could become the successor to record world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. The Briton will switch from the Silver Arrows to Ferrari in 2025. There are rumors that Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract that could allow him to leave after this season. Mercedes Head of Motorsport Toto Wolff has recently said on several occasions that Verstappen is his preferred candidate for the vacant cockpit.

Alonso's decision dependent on Verstappen?
For Fernando Alonso, whose contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the season and whose name is just as frequently mentioned in the rumor mill, a lot depends on Verstappen. "If Max leaves Red Bull, that might have an impact. But I think the probability of that happening is zero," said the 42-year-old Spaniard. Alonso himself wants to concentrate more on his own things and make a decision before the summer as to whether he will continue racing. "And if I continue, where would be the best opportunity to do so."

Sainz in talks with teams
In addition to the Mercedes cockpit, the seat of Sergio Perez, whose contract also expires at the end of the year, could also become vacant at Red Bull. One candidate would be Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who is still without a cockpit in 2025 and made the best possible bid in Melbourne with a double victory ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc. Sainz explained in Japan that he had already spoken to several teams. "It's time to speed everything up a bit. Hopefully we can sort it out sooner rather than later," said the Spaniard.

Verstappen has won the last two editions in Japan so far. Although the Red Bull star leads the overall standings, he is only four points ahead of Leclerc and five ahead of Perez after three races of the season. For the first time, the Japanese Grand Prix will be held in April and not, as usual, in the second half of the season.