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Max Verstappen 'not afraid' of Red Bull/Toro Rosso Formula 1 exit

Max Verstappen insists he has no concerns over his Formula 1 future despite the speculation suggesting Red Bull chief Dietrich Mateschitz is poised to pull the plug on his teams

With no engine deal for 2016 after opting to pull out a year early from a supply contract with Renault, Red Bull and Toro Rosso are staring at the F1 exit door.

Talks remain ongoing with Ferrari, but Red Bull is determined to obtain a competitive, contemporary power unit and the Scuderia is reluctant to provide parity.

It means the likes of Verstappen, Toro Rosso team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr and Red Bull duo Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo could potentially be out of a drive in 2016.

Despite that, 18-year-old Verstappen said: "I'm not afraid.

"I know I have a contract for some more years.

"Even if they pull out - and we have to wait and see what happens - I've no fear I won't be in F1.

"If they pull out you have to do something, but for me there are no signs they will stop, so I'm very happy with where I am."

Even if the worse came to the worst, Verstappen is convinced Red Bull would look after him.

"That would be fair," he added.

"I'm not looking around. I'm very happy with Red Bull, they've done a lot for me, it's because of them I'm here, so for me there is no reason to look around."

Sainz recognises in terms of development of the 2016 car, the clock is ticking for Toro Rosso.

"Obviously it starts to be a bit late and we need to design all the rear part of the car," the Spaniard said.

"When you don't have something at the rear at this stage of the year, it's a bit tricky, but I have full trust they will come to a solution, to an agreement.

"Red Bull has done a lot for this sport, a lot for Formula 1 and they will end up having a decent engine, a decent package for next year."

Ricciardo has already made clear he has faith Red Bull will not be leaving F1, and Kvyat is of the same mind.

"It's not great to hear these rumours," said Kvyat.

"Formula 1 is a rough world, but you have to be patient, everyone has to be patient in the team.

"I think the right decisions will be taken in the future from our bosses. I'm sure. I rely on them fully."

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