Max Verstappen stayed calm and relaxed despite ongoing speculation about his future in Formula One. The four-time world champion from Red Bull made it clear that he wasn’t concerned by the talks and was focused solely on his car and team.
Red Bull’s Concerns After Bahrain GP: Max Verstappen
After the Bahrain Grand Prix, Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko expressed concerns about Verstappen possibly leaving the team at the end of the season. Verstappen finished in sixth place at the race, just a week after winning in Japan. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won the Bahrain Grand Prix, starting from pole position and setting the fastest lap.
Max Verstappen’s Response to the Speculation
When questioned by an Italian reporter about possible moves to Ferrari, Mercedes, or Aston Martin, Verstappen was nonchalant. He said, “Honestly, a lot of people are talking about it, except me. I just want to focus on my car and work with the team. That’s all I’m thinking about in Formula One right now. I’m very relaxed.”
Verstappen’s Contract and Championship Position
Verstappen, whose contract runs until 2028 with exit clauses, has been leading the Formula One championship for over two years. However, McLaren’s Lando Norris won the season opener in Australia, closing the gap to Verstappen. Currently, Verstappen is only eight points behind Norris, sitting in third place in the standings. McLaren has been dominant, winning three out of the four races so far.
Staying Focused on Improvement
Despite the challenges, Verstappen remains focused on improving his car. “Bahrain wasn’t a great weekend for us,” he admitted. “We were all disappointed, but we keep working and trying new ideas to improve the car. The competition is tough, but that’s how I approach my weeks—trying to improve the situation.”
A Calm Discussion About the Sakhir Race
Verstappen also addressed the reported heated conversation between his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and Helmut Marko after the Sakhir race. He explained, “They were just talking about everything, which I think is allowed. People may view it differently, but we were all frustrated with the race result and the issues that occurred. My manager and Helmut spoke, and even Christian Horner joined the conversation. It was a normal discussion, as we all care about the team and the results.”
