Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen steers his car during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom Circuit in Sochi on September 27, 2020. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / POOL / AFP)
Max Verstappen on Thursday shrugged aside the rumor and negativity surrounding Honda’s decision to leave Red Bull and Formula One next year.
Despite reports suggesting he was unsettled by the news and considering his future plans, the Dutchman said he wanted to “keep on pushing” and would not be backing off.
“It’s a shame,” he said during a news conference ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix of the departure of the team’s engine suppliers.
“But you have to understand their reasons – and we just keep pushing. That’s also what they said.
“Of course, they’re going to pull out, but they’re not just going to back off now. We have a great relationship and it is really enjoyable to work with these guys.
“So, for the rest of the year, we’re just going to keep going and it will be the same next year with the new engine. I’m looking forward to that – to bringing it all to a good end and pushing until the last race.”
He said he sensed the decision was coming. “I could feel it,” he said. “But I knew a little bit before the announcement. It’s a shame, but understandable from their side.”
Verstappen’s upbeat reaction came after his father Jos had made clear that he was less than impressed at how events had unfolded at Red Bull this year.
He said he had pushed Red Bull for a competitive car and package this year, but ended up with another season in which his son was unable to mount a championship challenge.
“I have to say that I was very disappointed about that, especially at the beginning of the year,” he told De Telegraaf, adding that he had expected and wanted to see his son in the title fight.
“You find out what the real situation is – and then you have to accept it,” he said. “Even if it is not what you want. You want to be involved in the championship.”
He added: “Red Bull needs to better organize the team, to find out where the problems are and work on them. We are waiting to see what happens.
“It’s time for Red Bull to have a competitive car that can fight for a championship. If Max has a competitive car next year, they won’t have to worry about anything. Our goal is to win and be world champion.”
Verstappen signed a new three-year contract earlier this year and has proved himself to be the fastest threat to the two Mercedes men who have dominated this season.
If Red Bull struggle to find a competitive engine supplier to replace Honda, he may attract strong interest from other teams – especially if, as many paddock observers believe, his contract includes a clause requiring the team supply a competitive car and engine.