Formula 1: Max Verstappen Insists Christian Horner Departure Will Not Impact Red Bull Future

Max Verstappen insists his future with Red Bull will not be impacted by the team's decision to dismiss former team principal Christian Horner. 

Horner was relieved of his duties earlier this month, with Red Bull languishing in fourth in the Formula One constructors' championship, 288 points adrift of leaders McLaren.

Verstappen has also endured a dismal defence of his drivers' crown, with McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris battling it out at the top of the standings.

Amid a frustrating start to 2025 and with suggestions that Verstappen's relationship with Horner had broken down, the Dutchman's future has been called into question.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly hinted at a move for Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but has clauses allowing for the early termination of his deal.

But when asked if Horner's departure – and the subsequent promotion of Laurent Mekies – would affect his position, Verstappen told reporters: "No, it doesn't really.

"I think people can have a difference of opinion here and then. I actually expect that to happen because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem. 

"You need to have a difference of opinions. That's now something that we work with in a different direction. I'm excited about it.

"I don't think it will matter at all for my decision in the future. 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 what we wanted them to be. Now we try and be more competitive this year, but for sure also with the new regulations."

Verstappen's tenure with Red Bull began in 2016, as he won the Spanish Grand Prix on his first outing for the team at the age of 18 years, seven months and 15 days, becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history.

He set the F1 record for most consecutive victories during a dominant 2023 campaign, triumphing 10 times in a row between Miami and Italy.

That season, Verstappen won 19 of 22 races en route to his third successive drivers' championship, another F1 record. He also holds second place for most race victories in a single year, triumphing 15 times in 2022.

Verstappen led the drivers' championship for 63 successive races between the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix and the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the longest stint at the top of the standings by any driver.

Verstappen also revealed he was told of the decision to fire Horner in advance, adding: "I have a good relationship with them, you know, so I think it's quite normal that they inform some people in the team before it goes out. I think it's standard practice.

"I gave them my opinion, and I'll keep that to myself. If they want to say more about it, they will do, and you will hear about it."

Asked if he had spoken to Horner since his departure, the Dutchman said: "Yeah, I did. It was great to speak to him. Time will tell [if it was correct to fire him]."

The F1 campaign resumes this weekend, with the Belgian Grand Prix taking place at Spa following the mid-season break.