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Max Verstappen: Future of F1 “not just about Charles and myself”

Max Verstappen: Future of F1 “not just about Charles and myself”

26-11-2019 08:09
5

Bevan Youl

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has said that the future of Formula 1 is not just in the hands of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc “and myself” with other young talent on the grid proving themselves despite not being in a championship winning team.

With the likes of MercedesLewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in their 30’s the future of F1 looks to be in safe hands with Verstappen and Leclerc battling it out against each other.
 
The Dutchman has been on the grid a lot longer though since 2015, winning his first race on his debut for Red Bull in 2016, unlike the Monegasque who’s rookie season came last year with Sauber (now Alfa Romeo), earning himself a promotion to Ferrari after one season.
 
But Verstappen believes the likes of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Williams driver George Russell have the capability of fighting for titles.
 
“I think it’s not just about Charles and myself,” he told Sport Bild. “Lando Norris is very talented – he’s really good.

“Judging George Russell in the Williams is quite difficult but I think at the end of the day, there are many in this generation who will fight for the title, especially when the older ones quit.”

With Red Bull gearing up for a championship challenge for 2020 with Honda Verstappen will come to an end of his contract with the team, being linked with a move to either Mercedes or Ferrari for 2021.

But the 22-year old claims the rumours don’t bother him and is just focused on driving as well as he can.

“I’d choose my favourite colour, which is blue,” said Verstappen when asked what colour he would paint his wall of the three teams.

“Then I would take silver,” He added should blue not be available.

“But it has nothing to do with Mercedes or Ferrari. Silver just looks better on a wall than red.

“I know the rumours and the speculation, but it really doesn’t affect me at all.

“I know what I have and at the end of the day I know what I have to do – drive as fast as I can. That’s what I enjoy.

“Whatever comes from the outside doesn’t bother me at all.”