Since early February, Christian Horner has been at the center of media scrutiny following allegations of misconduct. While he was acquitted of any impropriety and seemingly resolved, it has shaken Red Bull to its core. With vultures circulating Max Verstappen, whose detachment to the team and Horner was evident, the champion shoots them down with just one simple phrase.
Amidst rumors of potential overtures from Mercedes and Aston Martin, Max Verstappen laid the conjectures to rest in a recent interview with The Project. When asked if there was any scenario in which we’d see him out of the blue overalls, Verstappen succinctly stated, “Once I stop driving.”
Horner’s turmoil engulfed the team, with Jos Verstappen urging the team principal to depart and even seen in friendly conversation with the rival – Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Helmut Marko’s leadership was also threatened. Speculation arose regarding Marko’s potential suspension two weeks ago, prompting a stern reaction from their Golden Boy, who declared his departure if Marko were to leave.
Expanding on his stance, Verstappen added, “I don’t think about it too much anyway. Like what I’m doing in the future, or whatever. I know that I have a contract until ’28, so I guess that’s just enough.”
The situation surrounding Horner and Marko continues to cast a shadow over the team, while apparently, the longtime civil war between the two has come to an end. On the other hand, Verstappen remains steadfast in his focus on his driving responsibilities with Red Bull and no one else.
Would Max Verstappen leave Red Bull after tasting glory?
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has added fuel to the fire surrounding Red Bull, suggesting that Christian Horner should consider stepping down amid the looming specter of losing their star driver to Mercedes. Herbert voiced his concern that Red Bull’s handling of the situation could potentially alienate Verstappen from the team.
Herbert emphasized the strategic error it would be for Red Bull to jeopardize their partnership with Verstappen, highlighting the immense value he brings to the team. “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team. I’ve heard they are getting quite close to the deal with Mercedes. It seems like a stupid thing to do. Their biggest asset is not the Christian Horner show.”
While Max Verstappen’s words of loyalty may suggest a willingness to stay with his team, the dynamics of F1 are ever-changing. The recent past has shown that even the most definitive acts of allegiance can be subject to revision. Will Verstappen adhere to his current stance, or will Mercedes’ allure prove irresistible enough to pull what Lewis Hamilton did?
As the saga unfolds, the future of Max Verstappen still hangs in the balance, with Red Bull facing the critical task of preserving their invaluable partnership amidst mounting pressure and external interest from rival teams.
