F1: Verstappen brushes off Ferrari speculation

Max Verstappen says he is "relaxed" about speculation linking him with a future Ferrari Formula 1 seat and believes staying with Toro Rosso for 2016 is ideal for his career.

The Dutch teenager has impressed in his F1 rookie season with his speed, overtaking judgement and tire management. Verstappen is understood to have a long-term contract with Red Bull, but Ferrari and Mercedes are believed to be eager for his signature.

"I just stay quite relaxed about it," Verstappen said of the speculation linking him to Ferrari. "It's very positive that people start to speak about you like that. It's very nice to hear, but I'm happy with where I am right now."

It is understood Toro Rosso will retain Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr. for next season, and the 18-year-old believing staying put is the right move.

"I still have a lot of things to learn and I think it's the perfect way to do it here," Verstappen said. "The package we have here is not that bad compared to Red Bull. We're not fighting for the world championship yet.

"Who knows? In a few years you will make the jump to a top team, but at the moment, I'm enjoying my time here and fighting for a top 10. To get into Q3 all the time is a good fight and I really enjoy it, so I don't mind to do it for another year.

"Of course, you have some different careers in F1, like Lewis [Hamilton] – he started in a top team and he stayed always in a top team. I think especially at my age, if you don't have so much experience in lower categories, single-seater categories, it's good to do it like this."

There were concerns that Verstappen was too young to race in F1 when he made his debut in Australia aged 17. When asked if his form has proved those critics wrong, Verstappen said: "I hope so.

"I don't like to speak in the press about proving that they are wrong, I just like to show it on track and I think I've done that this season."

Originally on Autosport.com