Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has expressed that he prefers not to look too far ahead into his future in Formula 1 as he doesn’t like to “stress out on stuff”.
The Dutchman’s current contract runs until the 2028 season, having extended his contract with Red Bull following his maiden title success in 2021.
However, that hasn’t stopped rumours from circulating that Verstappen could move to Mercedes, with team boss Toto Wolff admitting interest in acquiring him.
But while a move hasn’t materialised, Verstappen has continued to be linked with a switch elsewhere as speculation claimed Aston Martin is attempting to lure him.
In a recent interview, though, the 27-year-old discussed his easy-going attitude towards his future in motorsports which he has held since he was a child.
“That’s always a discussion I had with my dad when I was a kid,” Verstappen told F1.com.
“I always had this thing that I said ‘Yeah, whatever, we’ll see.’
“My dad said ‘What do you mean, we’ll see? That’s not an approach.’
“But that’s me – I don’t like to stress out on stuff, I don’t like to overthink or overcomplicate stuff.”
Verstappen says his father made him ‘the driver I am today’
Speculations over his future mounted after the multiple exits of key staff members – such as Adrian Newey – which affected the developments of last season’s Red Bull.
Jos Verstappen also added fuel to the fire by criticising Red Bull Principal Christian Horner as he was being investigated for allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
However, despite all of the outside noise surrounding his future and the team, Verstappen went on to secure his fourth title in the sport at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
According to Verstappen, he has always been able to block out any distractions off the track and applauded his dad for pushing him to change his approach at a young age.
“I know that when I jump in a go-kart or whatever car, once I put my helmet on, I’m on it – that keeps me sane,” he added.
“I’m just being very relaxed and calm about it.
“I just don’t want to fry my brain with too many thoughts about how I can influence certain things.
“But I also needed to be pushed when I was a kid and I’m glad my dad did that because it made me the driver I am today.”
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