Max Verstappen has finally put the rumors to rest! The three-time defending Formula 1 champion confirmed he will stick with Red Bull for the 2025 season. 🏎️🔥
Speaking at a press conference before the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked for the third time if he'd publicly commit to Red Bull. He chuckled and replied, \"OK, yes.\" 😄
\"I mean, we're already also working on next year's car,\" the Dutch sensation said. \"I think when you're very focused on that, that means that you're also driving for the team.\"
Despite his contract with Red Bull running through 2028, speculation was swirling about a potential move, especially with Lewis Hamilton's seat at Mercedes potentially opening up in 2025. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff even expressed he'd \"love\" to have Verstappen on board. But Max is all about the Red Bull vibes! 🎯
\"Of course, people are talking, but it's most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future,\" Verstappen said. \"And for sure, I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again.\"
Verstappen currently leads the drivers' standings with a 69-point advantage over McLaren's Lando Norris. He's won seven of 10 races so far, including last weekend's Spanish GP. 🏆
Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber finished in 13th place at the Spanish GP. He switched back to his old Kick Sauber chassis for the race and felt right at home. 🇨🇳
\"Back to the old one. And, yeah, seems to be picking up the performance,\" Zhou said. \"We should all be having the, you know, the grip, the confidence that I have with this car. So, yeah, really happy to see the progress went into the right direction and then, yeah, looking forward of course to these tracks I think could be suitable a little bit better for this year's car.\"
Zhou's future is still up in the air as his contract ends this season. When asked about what's next, he remained uncertain.
\"Yeah. Nothing has been decided,\" Zhou said. \"Like it's very easy to say, you know, we're all waiting for what Carlos [Sainz] wanted to decide in the end of the day. But, hopefully he can make his decision sooner. And then I think, that will decide, well, a lot of the driver market.\"
Looks like the F1 driver market is heating up! 🔥 Who else is excited to see what's next? Let us know! 🏁🙌
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
