Three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen confirmed Thursday he will race for Red Bull next season, refuting rumors that he was contemplating a switch to Mercedes.

“I think I’ve said this before,” he said at a pre-Austrian Grand Prix press conference. “I mean, naturally of course people are talking, but it’s most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future.

“At the moment of course it’s very tight, but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more. For sure, I’ve said this already with the team, we are working and focusing on next year to try and be competitive again.”

When asked if he’d depart should the 2025 car give him pause, the 26-year-old Belgian was quick to reference his current contract that spans through 2028.

“I have a long contract with the team, I’m very happy where I’m at and, like I said before, we’re focusing also already on next year with things that we can implement on the car,” Verstappen said.

“So, I guess that should say enough of where I’m driving next year.”

Verstappen passed George Russell on the third lap and cruised to a win at the Spanish Grand Prix last Sunday in Barcelona. It was his seventh F1 victory of the season and third straight at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalonia.

–Field Level Media