Max Verstappen has once again thrown his weight behind the Red Bull project, doubling down on his stance after claims he’s unhappy at the constructor giants.

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but talk of an early exit has picked up in recent months.

And given a free seat is soon to appear at Red Bull’s long-time rival Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s exit, Verstappen had been linked with a move to the German manufacturer.

But, Verstappen has squashed any claims of discontent, insisting he remains happy at Red Bull and isn’t looking to push for a move elsewhere.

Speaking to Red Bull’s in-house Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen said the Milton Keynes-based constructor “definitely feels like a second family” where he can “really be myself”.

He later added: “That first race with the team and the first championship [are the highlights]. That first race, of course, because I had just been promoted [from junior team Toro Rosso].

“Some people still question whether that was the right decision. Fortunately, that weekend went very well. Of course I was very happy about that, also for Helmut [Marko, Red Bull adviser].”

Verstappen continued: “He was also very happy, of course, because it was his decision to put me in that car.

“That first title together, yes, that one was very emotional. Especially after such a year, which demanded a lot from everyone. Those are moments I will never forget.”

With Verstappen seemingly out of the mix, Toto Wolff’s search for Hamilton’s successor is likely to rumble on.

Speaking to Dutch outlet Autosport Wereld about the driver hunt, Wolff said: “The criteria for our next driver are simple: We want the best driver available. At the moment, my first option is Kimi Antonelli.”

One of the hottest prospects in F1, the teenage sensation has been tipped to make the step up to senior racing for some time, but Wolff has recognised hiring such a young driver would come with its own risks.

“Of course, there are risks. They are not so much in his talent as a driver, but Antonelli would be exposed to the media and to the skill of George Russell, one of the best drivers on the grid.

“But Kimi has enormous potential. His speed and talent are already at a certain level, he just lacks the experience.”

Verstappen, Hamilton and their F1 competitors will return to the track at the end of this month when racing continues after the summer break at the Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands.