New Delhi [India], July 25 – Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, has definitively stated that Red Bull’s decision to part ways with former team principal Christian Horner will not impact his long-term future with the team. Horner’s 20-year tenure at the helm concluded in the aftermath of the British Grand Prix earlier this month, a move that ignited widespread speculation about Verstappen’s potential departure from the Red Bull camp.
Horner’s unexpected sacking had fueled rumors of Verstappen seeking a new team, with many believing Red Bull’s chances of retaining the formidable Dutchman had significantly diminished. However, ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix – the first race since Horner’s departure and with Laurent Mekies now in charge – Verstappen publicly accepted the management’s decision.
“At the end of the day, management and the shareholders decided that they wanted a change, and at the end of the day, they run the team, and I’m the driver,” Verstappen stated, as quoted by Sky Sports. “So, whatever they decide, it’s fully in their right to do what they want. And that’s basically how it happened.”
He reflected on the team’s history under Horner, adding, “And at the same time now, sitting here, you look back at those 20 years of Red Bull, I think we’ve had a lot of great, great years, great, great results. Naturally, there are also years where it’s not going that well, and I think the last one and a half years have not gone how we would have liked. And management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction, probably. And then everyone else has to agree to that and look forward.”
Downplaying Disagreements and Focusing on Performance
Speculation had also linked Verstappen’s camp, particularly his father Jos Verstappen, to involvement in Horner’s dismissal due to their reportedly turbulent relationship. Jos Verstappen had publicly called for Horner’s exit during the 2024 season. However, Max downplayed any significant impact these disagreements would have on his future with the team.
“No, it doesn’t, really. I think people can have differing opinions here and there, and I actually expect that to happen, because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem,” he explained. “You need to have difference in opinions. That’s now something that we work with in a different direction. I’m excited about it.”
He reiterated his focus on the car’s performance: “I don’t think it will matter at all for my decision in the future. At the end, the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it. The last one and a half years have not been where we want to be. Now we try to be more competitive, this year a little bit, but for sure also with the new regulations.”
Despite being officially contracted with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of life. “There is also a possibility I don’t wake up tomorrow, that there is no driving at all. Life is unpredictable,” he mused. “In general, I’m very happy where I’m at. And I would hope that still… the target that we set out when we signed the new deal, that I would drive here until the end of my career.”