Max Verstappen has stated that the departure of his former boss, Christian Horner, will not influence his decision regarding his Formula 1 future. Despite having a contract with the team until 2028, there have been rumors suggesting he might leave for Mercedes.
During the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen and his Red Bull team will race without Horner for the first time. Horner, who had been in charge for 20 years without missing a single race, was recently removed from his positions as team principal and chief executive.
Verstappen has been evasive about his future plans, choosing not to give definitive answers, which has fueled speculation. However, he made it clear that Horner’s departure will not impact his decisions moving forward.
Under the leadership of new boss Laurent Mekies, Verstappen expressed his anticipation for a new direction and the team’s pursuit of improved performance in the short term. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the car’s speed and competitiveness for the upcoming season and the new regulations in 2026.
When asked about the possibility of driving for Mercedes next year, Verstappen humorously remarked on the unpredictability of life. Nonetheless, he reiterated his contentment with his current team and expressed a desire to continue with them until the end of his career.
Verstappen affirmed that his loyalty to Red Bull remains unwavering, stating that Horner’s absence will not affect his commitment to the team. He acknowledged the team’s authority in decision-making and voiced his excitement for their future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and focusing on performance improvement.