Horner blows up “noise” around Verstappen’s future
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner says he is confident Max Verstappen will remain despite fierce speculation about his future for Formula 1.
Verstappen’s future dominates the chat in the Formula 1 paddock after Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko admitted at Bahrain Grand Prix that he has “big concerns” about the team leaving the four-time world champion.
The Dutch are unhappy with Red Bull’s lack of competitiveness at the start of the 2025 season in order to win their fifth consecutive world title this year.
The Red Bull struggle has seen Verstappen link to rivals Mercedes and Aston Martin. And the rumors only escalated amid revelations that he has a performance exit clause in his current deal running until 2028.
“I think noise is a good word to describe exactly that,” Horner told Sky Sports after his first practice at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
“There was a lot of noise outside the team, and within the team, Max reaffirmed his commitment.
“We focus on making cars faster, that’s our focus. Max is part of that. He is a dedicated member of the team.
“The rest is all speculation.”
When asked directly whether he was sure Verstappen was still driving for Red Bull next year, Horner replied: “Yes, absolutely.”
Max Burstappen and Christian Horner