Father: 'Max Verstappen could be at Mercedes or Ferrari in 2017'

Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso ahead of the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2016 i
© Getty Images
Max Verstappen's father and manager ramps up his bid for a top seat in Formula 1 for 2017.

Max Verstappen's father and manager Jos has ramped up his bid for a top seat in Formula 1 for 2017.

In the past days and weeks, bosses for Mercedes and Ferrari have admitted their interest in the 18-year-old Dutch sensation.

It comes amid speculation that Verstappen could be a free agent for 2017 unless Red Bull promotes him from Toro Rosso to the energy drink outfit's top team.

"It's a nice situation to have," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told F1's official website.

"We don't have an issue with competitive drivers in the next few years. It is a healthy situation, it's healthy competition and it keeps all the drivers honest."

"We know about Ferrari's interest in Max," former F1 driver Jos told Marca, "but we have no rush. I think it's early for that.

"Next year Max is going to be in one of the top teams in the championship. And when I say top, I mean Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull."

Asked specifically if there is a chance Max could be at any one of those three teams, Jos answered: "Yes, absolutely.

"Not at the same [probability] level, because our first choice is Red Bull. In the team they are very happy with my son and I think that should be the way to go for Max at this time."

Verstappen finished sixth in last weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso during qualifying for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2015
Read Next:
Verstappen: 'I apologised to Toro Rosso'
>