Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 driver has addressed his future with the Red Bull Formula 1 team amidst Christian Horner’s exit and his ties to a Mercedes move.

It’s been a messy season for Red Bull. With the car underperforming, and a complicated second seat changeup early in the season- speculations started to circle regarding Verstappen’s future with Red Bull.

He officially put an end to the rumors in a post-race interview at the Belgium grand prix stating, “I’ve never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well, and that’s why I had nothing really to add. ‘But I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumors, and for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.”

Post 20 years as Red Bull team principal, Christin Horner has been fired from his position. Just a year before the news was announced, Horner faced backlash due to speculations of harassment and controlling behavior towards a female coworker, yet he strongly denies the claims. There was no exact reasons as to why he was sacked from the team but, some ties lead back to the allegations.

The future of the team now lies in the hands of Laurent Mekies, who previously worked for Visa CashApp Red Bull, and has now taken over responsibilities as CEO and team principal.

So while Max is extending his contract with the team, who knows where is career will take him, especially with a new F1 team entering the villa, Cadillac.