Verstappen to replace Hamilton at Mercedes? Max reveals commitment to Red Bull

Max Verstappen says he does not want to leave Red Bull, ahead of a 2020 driver market that has the potential to shake Formula 1 to its core.

Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas – F1's five-highest reported earners – are all on contracts that expire at the end of 2020.

Reports of Hamilton seeking a move to Ferrari has set the merry-go-round into overdrive and could impact Verstappen, with Mercedes almost certain to seek a deal with the Dutchman should Hamilton depart.

However, Verstappen remains determined to bring success to Red Bull and pay back the faith shown in him as a young driver.

"I'm really happy where I am at the moment, and I really want to win with Red Bull," Verstappen told Autocar.

"They brought me into Formula 1, so there was this kind of loyalty to them. I think we're over that phase, but still I'm really happy where I am.

"I really enjoy working with them; it's a great group of people. I feel at home, which is also really important for a driver, that you feel appreciated. Everybody is really motivated so, for me, I don't want to change."

With F1 falling under new regulations in 2021, the potential upheaval among the drivers could give that campaign a significantly different look, which could help teams such as Red Bull gain ground on Mercedes.

Verstappen said: "First we'll try to do that with these regulations for the final year, and of course then you set your sights to the new rules. Hopefully things will change."

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