Max Verstappen’s father has put a lid on speculation linking the Toro Rosso rookie with a sensational switch to Ferrari.
The ’silly season’ has caught up even with F1’s impressive 17-year-old rookie, but Red Bull driver manager Dr Helmut Marko insists Verstappen’s contract is watertight.
And now the young Dutchman’s father and manager, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, tells Speed Week: "For us it was very important to be able to have a long-term contract with Red Bull, and we are very satisfied with that.
"I haven’t the slightest idea where this rumour comes from — maybe it’s because Max does a good job! Perhaps it’s also because Ferrari is thinking about replacing Kimi Raikkonen, and then the rumours start.
"But the fact is that there is no contact with Ferrari," Jos Verstappen added.