“I still have the option to continue or not” » FirstSportz

Max Verstappen has stated that he is “really comfortable” at Red Bull but has not ruled out a move Ferrari or Mercedes when his multi-year contract ends.

The reigning F1 world champion has signed a seven-year contract extension with Red Bull, tying him to the Austria-based racing team until the end of the 2028 season, but Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko conceded his contract includes a quality release clause should Red Bull in fall backwards down the hierarchical order.

But at just 24, the Dutchman believes he has a long future ahead of him after his contract with Red Bull expires, but doesn’t rule out prospects at Mercedes or Ferrari.

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“At the end of my contract I’ll only be 31 years old”: Max Verstappen

“I feel very comfortable in the team. There is no reason to leave the team. We get along well and have a competitive package. At the end of the contract I will only be 31 years old. Then I still have the option to continue or not. I’m not old when the contract ends.” said the reigning F1 world champion in an interview ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen is catching Charles Leclerc at the top of the Drivers’ Championship leaderboard this season, with victories at Imola and Miami narrowing the gap to 19 points. Following the intensity of his year-long duel with Lewis Hamilton last season, he expressed how much he enjoys the tussle at the front with his former karting rival Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

“Of course every driver is a bit different [in their approach]. Different in how he defends and how he attacks. Of course, you approach each driver a little differently. It’s really awesome. Two young drivers fight for race wins. So far we’ve had really good duels.” added Verstappen. The Spanish Grand Prix would prove extremely crucial for the Ferrari and Red Bull driver at the front to determine the forthcoming title race.

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Also read: “He was a damn star even back then,” said Red Bull fans nostalgically over Max Verstappen’s maiden F1 win at the 2016 Spanish GP