Red Bull's corporate sports chief Oliver Mintzlaff has no doubt that Formula One world champion Max verstappen will be at their team beyond this year, despite a difficult start into the season. "I am convinced that he will in the future continue the long path he has taken with Red Bull.

In Bahrain, it looked as though this was the case. Verstappen qualified seventh with Yuki Tsunoda in the back end of the top 10, and neither Red Bull car was able to make significant inroads on Sunday. The four-time world champion crossed the line in sixth after overtaking Pierre Gasly on the final lap.

Max Verstappen has dismissed concerns that he might consider leaving Red Bull, after last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix proved to be a turbulent day for the team.