Red Bull distances itself from Rosberg story

Red Bull and its drivers have distanced themselves from Nico Rosberg’s seismic decision to leave Mercedes and F1.

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are among F1’s top drivers and therefore speculatively linked with the top seat alongside Lewis Hamilton for 2017.

But Verstappen told De Telegraaf newspaper: "I will be driving again next year for Red Bull.

"I have an ongoing contract and I am confident that I will get a car with which I can battle with Mercedes," the 19-year-old added.

His father, Jos, also commented: "We’re fine where we are now", while Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen said: "We keep our (contractual) commitments".

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told a similar story, insisting to the Sunday Mirror that both Verstappen and Ricciardo are "on long-term contracts".

And Ricciardo was quoted by Tuttosport as saying Rosberg’s successor will get "an amazing Christmas president, but it won’t be me".

Finally, Jos Verstappen said he "understands" Rosberg’s decision to quit as a 31-year-old reigning champion.

"He has always lived for one goal and now he’s achieved it," said the former F1 driver. "On the other hand, Max’s goal is also to become world champion, but preferably several times."