Max Verstappen has affirmed that Christian Horner’s departure will not influence his decision regarding his Formula 1 future. Despite having a contract with the team until 2028, there have been rumors linking Verstappen with a move to Mercedes.
At the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen and his Red Bull team will compete without Horner for the first time. Horner, who led the team for 20 years without missing a single race, was recently relieved of his team principal and chief executive positions.
Verstappen has been evasive when discussing his future lately, opting not to make definitive statements, which has only fueled speculation. However, when asked about the impact of Horner’s exit on his plans, Verstappen was resolute in stating that it would not affect his decision.
Under the leadership of Laurent Mekies, Verstappen expressed his anticipation for a new direction and the possibility of enhancing the team’s performance in the near future. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in car performance and competitiveness.
Verstappen acknowledged that the past year and a half did not meet expectations but indicated a strong commitment to striving for competitiveness, especially with upcoming regulations in 2026. Despite being vague about the possibility of driving for Mercedes next year, Verstappen emphasized the unpredictability of life and expressed contentment with his current position.
Verstappen reiterated his goal of remaining with the team for the entirety of his F1 career if he can continue competing for victories and championships. He highlighted that Horner’s absence would not sway his desire to be loyal to the team and emphasized the importance of looking ahead and focusing on performance improvement.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can now enjoy live coverage of every practice, qualifying session, and race with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering a significant saving and access to a wide range of TV channels, including complimentary subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
Verstappen concluded by expressing excitement for the team’s future under new leadership and reiterated his commitment to the team’s goals and aspirations. He emphasized the team’s role in decision-making and underscored the familial bond he feels with the team despite Horner’s absence during race weekends.