Max Verstappen’s father has added another denial to lingering speculation the teen Dutchman might be a candidate for Ferrari in 2016.
Two weeks ago, the 17-year-old’s father Jos, himself a former grand prix driver, dismissed the ’silly season’ rumours by insisting Max is "very satisfied" with his long-term Red Bull contract.
Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko has also denied the reports, while Verstappen snr has now told the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat that the best option for his son is to stay at Toro Rosso.
"It is important at this time for him to gain experience, and here (at Toro Rosso) he has the chance to develop in peace."
Jos said he is "pleased" with how the opening half of his son’s first season in F1 has gone, "particularly" the way he has taken the fight to his older rivals.
"He is a fighter," said Jos. "The races themselves have gone very well, and he has been working on getting better in qualifying. It’s not easy when the operating window of the tyres is so narrow.
"But Max is doing a good job and the team is satisfied. The team is also going in the right direction and hopefully the engine reliability is sorted out now too," Jos added.