F1 LIVE: Austrian Grand Prix first practice and sprint qualifying latest

Image source, Getty Images

Two further driver slots were firmed up on Thursday as Alpine re-signed Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin confirmed Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll was staying on.

The biggest question, though, surrounds Max Verstappen’s future, not so much about next year but about 2026. Mercedes are making no secret of their desire to sign him, and it is know that he has mechanisms to leave Red Bull whenever he wants despite a contract that lasts until 2028.

On Thursday, he did not address 2026, but he did say he would stay at Red Bull next year. Asked if he would confirm his presence in 2025, he said: “I think I’ve said this before. I mean naturally of course people are talking, but it’s most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future. We’re working and focusing on next year to try and be competitive again.”

Asked if he could yet decide to leave for next season, he said: “I don’t think that’s how Formula 1 works – where then suddenly you can say: ‘Well, bye guys’. It’s not how it works. I have a long contract with the team, I’m very happy where I’m at and, like I said before, we’re focusing also already on next year with things we can implement on the car. So, I guess that should say enough of where I’m driving next year.”

And asked to confirm it absolutely in a single statement, he said: “OK, yes. And that’s what I said – we’re already working on next year’s car. I think when you’re very focused on that it means that you’re also driving for the team.”