'I don't think...': Max Verstappen on his potential switch to Mercedes from Red Bull

Amid Red Bull's waning domination in Formula 1 and the recent emergence of McLaren, speculations over Max Verstappen's future have gained pace. The Red Bull driver managed to win the Spanish Grand Prix by the skin of his teeth and if it wasn't for a slow start from Lando Norris, may have very well lost the race.

Quizzed ahead of the Austrian grand Prix, Verstappen's home race, the three-time world champion said he intended to stay at Red Bull, despite overtures from Mercedes.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"I think I've said this before. Naturally, of course, people are talking but it's most important just that we just have a very competitive car for the future," said Verstappen.

"At the moment, of course, it is very tight but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more.For sure, I said this already with the team, we are working and focusing also on next year to try and be competitive again," he added.

Pressed by the media if it meant that Red Bull was not the fastest car on the grid anymore, Verstappen clarified:"I don't think that's how Formula 1 works where then suddenly you could say 'well, bye guys!'It's not how it works."

Verstappen added that he and the team had already started working on next year's car.

"I've got a long contract with the team, I'm very happy where I'm at and, like I said before, we are focusing already on next year with things that we can implement on the car. So, I guess that should say enough of where I'm driving next year."

Red Bull's struggles

While Red Bull and Ferrari struggled in certain sections of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend,McLaren dominated the race and did not face any significant problems.

Norris started the race at the front of the grid but could not get out of the blocks quickly as Mercedes' George Russell took the lead at Turn 1. Verstappen, however, kept up with the pace and managed to take the inside line to go past the British driver a few minutes later on lap 3.

Norris lost the opportunity to win the race after the team took the gamble of staying out, behind Russell while the likes of Verstappen and Hamilton preferred to pit early. Norrislost nearly four seconds sitting behind Russell and later had to endure a slow pit exit, which contributed to a second-place finish.

Despite the second-finish, experts are of the view that McLaren may have eclipsed Red Bull which has installed new upgrades in the car in recent months. The upgrades, however, have failed to provide any significant advantage to Verstappen or his teammate Sergio Perez.

(With inputs from agencies)