Verstappen wants ‘top car’ for son Max in 2017

Jos (L) wants a seat with Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull by 2017

(GMM) Jos Verstappen wants his son Max to start winning races in 2017.

As his meteoric first season in F1 comes to an end, most are predicting a career filled with victories and titles for the currently 18-year-old Dutchman.

But Jos told the German broadcaster Sky that they are happy to be with Toro Rosso for now.

"Next year we want to stay here and I think we will have a good package," said the former F1 driver.

Indeed, the Faenza based team looks set to switch from Renault to Ferrari power for 2016, with a deal that boss Franz Tost says is "ready to be signed".

"Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen are set (for 2016)," he told Speed Week. "With the 2015 Ferrari engine we would be very well positioned."

However, it would unite Verstappen with Ferrari, amid rumors the fabled Italian marque is already making overtures to the youngster.

Kimi Raikkonen, out of contract at the end of next year, admitted in Abu Dhabi that if Ferrari is talking to Verstappen, that would only be "normal".

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner, however, said not only Verstappen but also Sainz are firmly under contract to the energy drink company for the long term.

And Tost also rejected the Ferrari talk.

"There is no question. Forget this talk," said the Toro Rosso chief. Told, however, that long-time Red Bull athlete Sebastian Vettel made the move to Ferrari, Tost insisted: "Yes, but Sebastian drove for Red Bull for a long time and was ready for a change.

"Max is still far from ready. It is a completely different situation."

Max's father Jos agrees: "Max is still young enough to stay one more year here (Toro Rosso) to gain experience. That's very good for him.

"For 2017 we need to see what happens. Hopefully Max will then get a top car, with which he can win races."