Max Verstappen has revealed that he will not be taking part in Red Bull’s post-season testing programme after this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Dutchman has already won this year’s Drivers’ Championship, wrapping up his fourth straight title in Las Vegas earlier this month. He will be hoping to finish the campaign on a positive note by claiming another victory at the Yas Marina Circuit.
On the Tuesday after the race, a number of drivers will be involved in the regular post-season test but Verstappen will not be among them.
Speaking after winning the Qatar Grand Prix, he confirmed that he would not be taking part but wished his replacement well. Yuki Tsunoda is expected to step in for the 27-year-old and will be out to impress with a Red Bull seat potentially up for grabs.
“No, I’ve skipped that one for a while,” said Verstappen when asked if he would be testing in Abu Dhabi. “I’m not even going to watch. I wish them good luck.”
Liam Lawson is also in the frame to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull next season, with the latter seemingly on borrowed time after a hugely underwhelming campaign.
Williams youngster Franco Colapinto is another name to have been linked with the potential vacancy, but the prospect of a move to Red Bull has been downplayed on several occasions.
Christian Horner confirmed at the Qatar Grand Prix that it will be up to Perez to decide whether he wants to continue at Red Bull or step aside and make a fresh start elsewhere.
“Checo has been a wonderful driver for us, certainly in 2021, ’22, ’23,” said Horner. “He contributed to Max’s championship in ’21 and the Constructors’ Championships in ’22 and ’23.
“Most of all, he’s a great guy and he’s not enjoying the situation he’s in at the moment. He knows the pressures of this business and we are going to give him all the support we can to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
“What he decides to do, that will be his decision at the end of the day. I think he’s old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions, but there is still a race to go so let’s get to the end of Abu Dhabi and see where we are at.”
