Max Verstappen has reiterated his desire to stay within the Red Bull structure despite saying his intention is to leave Toro Rosso at the end of the season.
Verstappen is believed to be on the watch list of the top teams after the Dutchman impressed throughout his rookie season in 2015.
With many drivers contracts set to expire before the start of 2017, Verstappen is thought to be the top of most teams lists as a possible replacement.
With Raikkonen under pressure to perform after Ferrari stuck with him for another season despite a disappointing 2015, Ferrari is thought to be the likely destination if the Dutchman was to leave the Red Bull programme.
“I’m very happy with Red Bull,” said Verstappen. ”I don’t see any reason to change that – you also have to be loyal, you know.”
“They gave me the chance to start in Formula 1, which was my dream, and I’m very happy to be here.”
When asked about the possibility of a switch to Ferrari, Verstappen responded: “No – like I said, I’m very happy at Red Bull. And we’ll see what happens in the future.
Toro Rosso decided to move back to Ferrari power for the 2016 season after two disappointing seasons with Renault engines.
Whilst the increase in performance was pleasing Verstappen admits using a 2015 specification Ferrari power unit could hamper the team’s progress due to the lack of in-season development they will see with the year-old engine..
“Other teams will improve just by getting a bit more horsepower throughout the season,”
“Then it’s for us a bigger challenge, of course, to improve the car more than the other teams.
“So that’s a good challenge for us, to keep pushing.”
