Max Verstappen makes it clear if he believes Christian Horner should remain at Red Bull.
Max Verstappen called for “key players” on the team to stay together, making a clear indication that he wanted Christian Horner to continue leading Red Bull.
Prominent individuals are putting pressure on Horner to step down. The two most prominent individuals who have publicly lobbied for Verstappen’s replacement are his father Jos and longtime team consultant Helmut Marko.
Just a fortnight ago, Verstappen vowed to leave the team if close ally Marko left, making it plain that he wants the 80-year-old to stay. Regarding Horner’s stance, the Dutchman has refrained from publicly expressing his opinion.
He did, however, imply in a Thursday interview with reporters in Melbourne that he is opposed to any significant managerial changes. “It is crucial that we work to keep the key players on the team for extended periods of time because that is where the performance happens, and I wouldn’t be here right now if I didn’t perform,” he stated.
“For me, it is a second family. In a family there might some times be disagreements. You cannot choose your family but you can choose friends. A lot of people have contributed to the success of this team from the start and that has to be respected.
“It is important to keep them together, happy and in the same roles. But we just focus on the performance. I would like the chat to be about the great car that we have. Hopefully that will come slowly.”
Plenty has been made of Verstappen’s own future, particularly since that declaration that he might be willing to leave if Marko were to go through the exit door. Mercedes has been suggested as a likely destination in such a scenario, given Lewis Hamilton is to vacate his current seat to join Ferrari at the end of the year.
Verstappen said he understands why Toto Wolff would “love” to secure his signature. But the 26-year-old is under contract with the team until the end of 2028 and, on Thursday, declared his intention to honour that agreement.
He said: “It is always nice to hear that. Toto and I have had our moments. That is normal between two teams battling for the championship but the respect has always been there.
“From my side it doesn’t change anything. I don’t know what will happen after 2028, if I will stay in F1, or continue, or sign a new deal [with Red Bull]. But that is why I signed the deal in the first place. I am happy within the team and it is my intention to be here in the end.”
