Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has declared that Christian Horner’s recent removal as Red Bull team principal will not impact his future with the team.
Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies after two decades at the helm.
Verstappen, 27, emphasized that his focus remains on car performance, stating, “The only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it, really.”
Despite a contract running until 2028 and ongoing links to Mercedes, he hinted at staying long-term, asserting, “I’m very happy where I’m at – and I hope. That was still the target that was set out when we signed the new deal, you know, that I would drive until the end of my career.”
While acknowledging Red Bull’s dip in form since mid-2024, which sees him currently third in the championship, Verstappen welcomed the change in management. He confirmed discussions with new team principal Mekies and expressed excitement for the team’s future direction.
Verstappen admitted surprise at Horner’s departure but understood that “in this world, things like that, they can happen.”
He also downplayed any lingering tension with his father, Jos Verstappen, regarding Horner, stating that “people can have a difference of opinion now and then… that’s now something that we work with in a different direction.”
