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Verstappen addresses Horner's departure

Max Verstappen states that the dismissal of Christian Horner will not impact his future with Red Bull.

July 24, 2025 at 08:01 PM

‘Horner exit won’t influence my future’: Verstappen on whether he stays at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has addressed the recent leadership changes at Red Bull Racing without concern for his future.

Verstappen remains focused on performance amid Red Bull leadership change

Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, has stated that the recent firing of team principal Christian Horner will not affect his decision to stay with Red Bull Racing. Verstappen revealed that he learned of Horner's dismissal shortly before it was made public and noted that the decision came from the higher management at Red Bull GmbH. Horner, who led the team since 2005, faced increasing pressure in recent years, particularly after Red Bull's co-founder died and following allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he was cleared of. As Red Bull struggles with performance issues, Verstappen indicated that his priority remains the team's competitiveness, expressing that the past year and a half have not lived up to expectations. While he remains on friendly terms with Horner, discussions about his future with Mercedes have been rumored, but he insists they will not influence his decision regarding Red Bull.

Key Takeaways

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Verstappen insists Horner's exit won't influence his future at Red Bull.

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The decision for Horner's dismissal came from Red Bull's upper management.

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Horner led Red Bull since 2005 but faced pressure after Mateschitz's death.

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Recent performance issues have frustrated Verstappen and the team.

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Verstappen is rumored to have discussions with Mercedes, but he denies it affects his loyalty.

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The leadership shift raises questions about team stability in F1.

"Management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction"

Verstappen explains the reason behind Horner's firing, indicating a shift in team strategy

"Of course he’s not here now and we’re doing a race again but it’s still like a second family to me"

Verstappen speaks about his relationship with Horner after the dismissal

"The last one and a half years have not gone how we would have liked"

Verstappen reflects on the team's recent performance issues

"The team has been incredible, to see the progress"

Hamilton praises Horner's leadership and the team's achievements

The significant change in leadership at Red Bull Racing highlights the team's struggle to maintain its competitive edge in Formula One. Verstappen's resignation to the management's decisions showcases his commitment to the team while revealing the underlying tension as performance falters. The public focus on how such changes affect star drivers like Verstappen raises questions about driver loyalty and team dynamics in the high-stakes world of F1. Amidst whispers of a Mercedes move, Verstappen's assurance that his future is unaffected by these shifts suggests he is prioritizing long-term goals over immediate turmoil.