Max Verstappen has made clear his intention to remain with Red Bull beyond his current contract, which runs through 2028. The three-time reigning world champion addressed media speculation linking him to a potential move away from the Milton Keynes squad, stating “that’s also where I want to be.”

Verstappen’s comments come amid rumors that he could look to race elsewhere from 2025 onwards. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently stoked the fire, saying “I would love” to sign the Dutchman and that every team “would do handstands” to have Verstappen in their car if available.

However, the 26-year-old was unequivocal when asked about earlier remarks from team-mate Sergio Perez that his departure would be “a blow” to Red Bull. “I think there’s every reason to be happy, right? The car’s going really well, there’s so many great people…that’s what I focus on,” said Verstappen.

“I’m happy, and when I go home, I don’t think about any other thing because it’s pretty fixed where I’m at also, and that’s also where I want to be.”

Verstappen is off to a blistering start in 2024, winning the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. “It’s definitely been the best start so far to a year for me personally in the car,” he commented ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

With a 15-point lead over Perez in the drivers’ standings, and Red Bull 38 clear of Ferrari in the constructors’ battle, Verstappen has every reason to be satisfied with his current situation. His words reinforce his commitment to the team that has delivered him two world titles so far.