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